Coyotes more visible across Coachella Valley as breeding season begins
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Coyote sightings are increasing across the Coachella Valley as breeding season gets underway, a seasonal shift wildlife experts say is expected and temporary.
Coyotes typically become more visible from late January through March as adults travel longer distances in search of mates and, later, food for pups. That movement often brings them closer to neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces.
“We’re more likely to see them this time of year,” said Dr. James Danoff-Burg, vice president of conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “Coyotes are a native part of our ecosystem, including urban areas. The key is learning how to coexist with them.”
Residents across the valley report seeing coyotes more frequently, sometimes in small groups. Wildlife experts say group sightings are not unusual during breeding season and do not necessarily indicate aggressive behavior.
Danoff-Burg said coyotes are highly adaptable animals, capable of living near people as long as food sources are available. He pointed to past examples of coyotes successfully navigating dense cities.
Wildlife agencies stress that human behavior plays a major role in how coyotes interact with neighborhoods. Officials recommend securing trash, removing fallen fruit, clearing thick brush, and never feeding wildlife. Small pets should be supervised outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
“Feeding coyotes, intentionally or unintentionally, is what leads to problems,” Danoff-Burg said. “If we remove attractants, coyotes generally avoid people.”
Coyotes are protected under California law, and experts say relocation or removal is rarely effective. Instead, agencies emphasize prevention and education as the primary tools for reducing conflicts.
Wildlife officials say most encounters can be avoided and that increased sightings during breeding season typically taper off as spring approaches.
