A longtime desert resident whose presence here predates the development of Palm Desert’s homes and businesses, coyotes play an important role in our natural ecosystem controlling rodents and other potential disease-carrying pests.

Coyotes primarily hunt rodents and rabbits but will take advantage of any opportunity for an easy meal. When out on the prowl, coyotes will target all available food sources, including pet food, garbage, and domestic animals. You can help protect yourself, your pets, your property, and the coyotes themselves by following some simple steps.

Things to do:

• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
• Remove sources of water.
• Bring pets in at night.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, etc.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
• Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
• If a coyote attacks a person, contact 911 for any medical needs and to report the incident. Also, contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife office.

Things to not do:

• Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Do not capture and relocate coyotes.

A natural part of our beautiful desert, coyotes are here to stay. You can do your part to encourage coyotes to remain in the wild where they belong by following these tips. For more information, call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 909-484-0167 or visit wildlife.ca.gov.