San Jose Animal Care and Services follows a hazing-first coyote response under guidance from California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Residents are urged to scare coyotes away, secure trash and pet food, and never feed wildlife. Lethal removal is reserved for documented public safety threats.
Coyotes are protected nongame mammals under California Fish and Game Code. San Jose Animal Care and Services coordinates the city's response, emphasizing hazing — yelling, waving arms, shaking noisemakers — to reinforce coyote fear of people. Residents must not feed coyotes or leave pet food outdoors, and SJMC Title 6 backs that with nuisance enforcement. Pet owners are urged to leash dogs, supervise small pets, and bring cats indoors at dawn and dusk. Lethal control under a CDFW depredation permit is limited to coyotes that have shown unprovoked aggression toward people. Trapping by neighbors is generally prohibited.
Feeding coyotes or leaving attractants such as pet food, fallen fruit, or unsecured trash can draw nuisance citations under SJMC Title 6 and state wildlife statutes. Fines start in the hundreds of dollars and rise for repeat violations.
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