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Riverside County, CA Animal Ordinances: Coyote Management (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife →

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Key Facts

Authority: CDFW + RCDAS Ord. 532
Relocation: Not permitted
Lethal removal: Depredation permit only
Resident duty: Remove attractants

City-specific rules exist: Riverside has its own coyote management rules that differ from Riverside County's county-level regulations. If you live in Riverside, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Riverside County follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance: coyotes are not relocated, attractants must be removed, and hazing by residents is encouraged, with depredation permits required for lethal removal.

Full Breakdown

Coyote encounters are common across Riverside County's wildland-urban interface, including Temescal Valley, Coachella Valley foothills, and Jurupa. RCDAS does not trap or relocate healthy coyotes; California Fish and Game Code Section 4152 designates coyotes as nongame mammals managed by CDFW. Residents are required to secure trash, eliminate pet food outdoors, and never intentionally feed wildlife under Ordinance 532. Hazing techniques such as yelling, waving, and noisemakers are encouraged. Lethal removal requires a CDFW depredation permit issued only after documented livestock or pet attacks.

Violations & Fines

Feeding coyotes, leaving pet food outside overnight, or unsecured trash that attracts wildlife may trigger nuisance abatement notices and fines under Ordinance 532 starting at $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Animal Services come trap a coyote in my yard?

No. RCDAS responds only to sick, injured, or aggressive coyotes posing immediate threat. Healthy coyotes are managed through hazing and attractant removal by residents.

Can I shoot a coyote attacking my livestock?

Only with a CDFW depredation permit, except in immediate defense of property under California law. Discharge ordinances and zoning still apply in unincorporated areas.

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Riverside County, CA Animal Ordinances: Coyote Management (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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