Coyote Management: Santa Clara vs Sunnyvale
How do coyote management rules compare between Santa Clara, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Santa Clara and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara 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 | Santa Clara | 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.
Santa Clara 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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