Fairfax County coordinates with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources on coyote management, prohibits intentional feeding under Chapter 12, and provides hazing guidance to residents in McLean, Vienna, Reston, and other suburban areas.
Coyotes are established residents throughout Fairfax County, with sightings common in wooded suburbs near parks and stream valleys. Virginia classifies coyotes as nuisance species, allowing year-round take by licensed hunters on private land with landowner permission, subject to Department of Wildlife Resources rules. The county prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including coyotes under its wildlife-feeding ordinance and recommends residents secure trash, supervise small pets, and use hazing techniques such as loud noises to maintain coyote wariness of humans. Animal Protection Police respond to reports of injured, sick, or aggressive coyotes.
Wildlife-feeding citations: civil penalties under Chapter 12; unlawful firearm discharge in residential zones may incur additional misdemeanor charges.
See how Fairfax's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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