Maricopa County and Arizona Game and Fish follow a coexistence model for urban coyotes. Residents are urged to haze coyotes, secure food sources, and protect small pets. Feeding coyotes or other wildlife violates state nuisance and wildlife rules backed by AZGFD enforcement.
Coyotes are common throughout Maricopa County, particularly near washes, golf courses, and desert preserves bordering the Valley. The county and Arizona Game and Fish (AZGFD) advise hazing β yelling, waving arms, throwing objects β to keep coyotes wary of people. Healthy non-aggressive coyotes are not relocated; AZGFD only intervenes for sick, injured, or genuinely aggressive animals. Feeding coyotes or leaving pet food, fallen citrus, or unsecured trash that attracts them violates AZGFD wildlife-feeding rules and most municipal nuisance codes. Owners should keep small pets leashed, supervised in yards, and indoors at dawn and dusk. Discharging firearms inside city limits to kill coyotes typically violates separate weapon-discharge laws.
Intentionally feeding coyotes or leaving attractants can prompt AZGFD warnings and county code-enforcement notices. Repeat violations may escalate to civil citations under municipal nuisance ordinances. Killing a coyote inside a city without authorization may violate firearm-discharge and wildlife laws.
Surprise, AZ
Amplified music and sound in Surprise must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Amplified sound audible beyond property lines that disturbs neighbors is p...
Surprise, AZ
Excessive barking dogs in Surprise are addressed through the city's nuisance provisions and Maricopa County animal control regulations. Dogs that bark contin...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise regulates construction noise through its City Code. Residential construction is generally permitted Monday through Saturday during daytime hours. Su...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise is near Luke Air Force Base, which generates significant military jet noise. The city has no authority over military flight operations but maintains...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise does not experience snow and has no space saving or dibs system for parking. The desert climate eliminates the need for shoveled-out parking spot re...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or junk vehicles on public streets and visible on private property. Vehicles without current registration or that a...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle coyote management.
See how Surprise's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.