Coyote Management: Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do coyote management rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Palo Alto and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
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.
View full Palo Alto rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
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.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Coexistence and hazing | Coexistence and hazing |
| Lead agency | SCC Vector Control plus CDFW | SCC Vector Control plus CDFW |
| County code | Title C wildlife feeding ban | Title C wildlife feeding ban |
| Lethal control | CDFW permit only | CDFW permit only |
| Hazing tools | Noise, eye contact, objects | Noise, eye contact, objects |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
What should I do if a coyote enters my yard?
Use hazing: shout, wave arms, bang pots, throw small objects from a distance. Secure pet food, trash, and fallen fruit. Keep small pets indoors at dawn and dusk. Report aggressive coyotes to CDFW.
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in Santa Clara County?
Yes. SCC Title C and most city codes prohibit intentional wildlife feeding, including leaving pet food outdoors. Violations bring escalating administrative citations and possible nuisance abatement orders.
Sunnyvale FAQ
What should I do if a coyote enters my yard?
Use hazing: shout, wave arms, bang pots, throw small objects from a distance. Secure pet food, trash, and fallen fruit. Keep small pets indoors at dawn and dusk. Report aggressive coyotes to CDFW.
Is it illegal to feed coyotes in Santa Clara County?
Yes. SCC Title C and most city codes prohibit intentional wildlife feeding, including leaving pet food outdoors. Violations bring escalating administrative citations and possible nuisance abatement orders.
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