Santa Clara County and partner cities follow a coexistence model led by SCC Vector Control and CDFW: hazing, attractant removal, and lethal control only for sick or aggressive animals. Title C and city codes ban intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife.
Urban coyotes are a permanent presence across SCC. The county's coexistence approach, supported by SCC Vector Control District, SCC Animal Services, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), prioritizes hazing (loud noise, eye contact, throwing objects) and attractant removal over lethal control. CDFW handles permits for lethal removal where coyotes show aggression, sickness, or repeated pet predation. SCC Title C and most city codes prohibit intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife, including leaving pet food outside and unsecured trash. Cities such as Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Los Altos run resident-education programs.
Intentional wildlife feeding under Title C or city codes brings administrative citations starting near one hundred dollars, escalating with repeats. Chronic attractant problems can trigger nuisance abatement orders requiring secure trash, compost, and fruit-tree management.
See how Palo Alto's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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