Coyote Management: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do coyote management rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
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.
View full San Jose 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 | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Lead agency | SJ Animal Care and Services | SCC Vector Control plus CDFW |
| State authority | CDFW | - |
| Primary tool | Hazing first response | - |
| Feeding rule | Prohibited as nuisance | - |
| Lethal removal | CDFW depredation permit only | - |
| Approach | - | Coexistence and hazing |
| County code | - | Title C wildlife feeding ban |
| Lethal control | - | CDFW permit only |
| Hazing tools | - | Noise, eye contact, objects |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
What should I do if I see a coyote?
Haze it. Stand tall, yell, wave your arms, shake noisemakers, or throw small objects in its direction. Never run or turn your back. Report aggressive coyotes to San Jose Animal Care and Services.
Can coyotes be trapped or shot?
Generally no. Coyotes are protected nongame mammals and trapping by residents is restricted by state law. Lethal removal requires a CDFW depredation permit and is reserved for documented public safety threats.
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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