Fresno borders agricultural and foothill habitats where coyotes routinely enter neighborhoods. The city follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance encouraging hazing, secure trash, and pet supervision rather than relocation, which is generally prohibited under state law.
Coyotes are common across Fresno, particularly along the San Joaquin River bluffs and orchards bordering northern and eastern neighborhoods. California Fish and Game Code prohibits relocating wildlife, so the city promotes coexistence through hazing, removing attractants, and supervising small pets. Residents should secure trash bins, avoid feeding wildlife, and accompany pets during dawn and dusk. Fresno County Animal Center responds when coyotes act aggressively or are injured. Aggressive encounters may be reported to CDFW for case-by-case lethal removal authorization. Property owners on agricultural lots have additional rights under the right-to-farm framework for livestock protection.
Feeding coyotes risks fines under FMC nuisance provisions; relocating trapped wildlife violates state law and exposes violators to citation.
Fresno, CA
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See how Fresno's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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