In a cozy backyard in Pacific Beach, the San Diego Humane Society made an unexpected find: four coyote pups huddled under a deck, now in the care of their Project Wildlife program. The young canines were discovered by a homeowner who stumbled upon the makeshift den, though the parental units were nowhere to be found. According to San Diego Humane Society's Facebook page, the pups are too young to fend for themselves in the wild and will be raised by human hands until they can be released back into their natural habitat.

Despite the myth of the "abandoned" wild baby, the parent is often close by and waiting for a safe moment to return. The San Diego Humane Society stresses the importance of leaving wildlife litters untouched, giving the family a chance to reunite once the coast is clear. Coyote parents, in particular, relocate their offspring to alternate dens if they perceive a threat, with plans to shuffle the deck under the cover of night.

These clever canids usually keep a healthy distance from human neighbors but make exceptions when an open garbage can or an outdoor pet's dinner proves too tantalizing to ignore. Coexistence between coyotes and humans in shared spaces relies on good sanitation and smart deterrence. The society recommends keeping food sources, including pet meals and compost, out of reach and storing trash in containers that seal the deal.

When spotted, a wave of the hands or a noisy objection can often convince a coyote to bid farewell. According to the humane society, these hazing techniques are a safe and effective means to remind our four-legged visitors of their instinct to flee—not fight. For those seeking more advice on maintaining a coyote-free domain, the San Diego Humane Society's website offers humane solutions for keeping these wild creatures out of your hair and gardens.