Richmond residents increasingly encounter coyotes along the James River corridor; the city defers to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources guidance and prohibits feeding or relocating wild canids.
Coyotes are nonnative but established statewide in Virginia and classified as a nuisance species under Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources rules, allowing year-round take with a hunting license outside city limits. Within Richmond, firearm discharge is prohibited under Chapter 22 of the city code, so lethal control is not a homeowner option. The Virginia DWR recommends hazing (loud noises, water hoses) to maintain coyotes' fear of humans. Feeding wild coyotes—directly or through unsecured pet food, garbage, or fallen fruit—is prohibited under Chapter 4 nuisance provisions. RACC handles sick or injured coyotes; healthy sightings are referred to DWR.
Discharging a firearm violates Richmond Code Ch. 22 (Class 1 misdemeanor). Feeding wildlife may trigger nuisance abatement orders. Trapping requires a state permit.
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See how Richmond's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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