KCBS Animal Update: Coyote Safety
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— We don't often think about coyotes and San Francisco being in the same sentence, but now more than ever we should connect those dots.
It's estimated that there's over 100 coyotes in San Francisco according to Dr. Jennifer Scarlett from the San Francisco SPCA. "Most commonly they can be seen in the green-belt area, which is Golden Gate, Stern Grove, and Lake Merced just to name a few places. But what's really worrisome is that there have been some sightings on busy roads such as Sunset Boulevard," she said.
You might not think coyotes could thrive in this type of urban environment, but they're very adaptable.
"These parks are perfect places for them. They can survive off of fruits and some veggies and a lot of small mammals as well as garbage. Although they have been known to attack and sometimes kill small dogs and cats," she said.
KCBS Animal Update: Coyote Safety
If that concerns you as a pet owner or for your own safety for that matter, San Francisco Parks and Recreation have put up signs where they've had coyote sightings.
Dr. Scarlett reminds to keep your dog on a leash when you see these signs or even if you suspect that you've seen a coyote. She also cautions not to leave food outside or to feed wild animals. "Bring your dogs and cats in for the night and if you do have a sighting, let Animal Care and Control know."
Animal Care and Control Emergency Dispatch:
(415) 554-9400
