Bakersfield experiences regular coyote sightings near foothills, river corridors, and outlying subdivisions. The city follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance focused on hazing, pet protection, and avoiding food-source attractants.
Bakersfield Animal Care and Fish and Wildlife handle coyote concerns using a tiered response. Routine sightings are not removed; instead the city promotes hazing techniques such as shouting, waving arms, and using whistles to reinforce coyote fear of humans. Residents must avoid leaving pet food, fallen fruit, and trash accessible. Cats and small dogs should be kept indoors or supervised, especially at dawn and dusk. Aggressive coyotes that lose fear of humans may be trapped and dispatched after a documented public-safety threat. Feeding wildlife is prohibited.
Feeding coyotes or leaving attractants violates Bakersfield Code Chapter 6 wildlife rules with fines up to 500 dollars and possible state Fish and Wildlife citations for harassing protected animals.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and feral dogs under BMC nuisance provisions and California Fish and...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield encourages but does not strictly mandate cat licensing through Chapter 6. Cats running at large face impoundment, and rabies vaccinations are req...
See how Bakersfield's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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