Three Golden Gate Park coyotes were killed after a young girl was bitten at the San Francisco Botanical Garden during a day camp. As reported by SFGATE, the five-year-old suffered puncture wounds and prompt medical responses were activated to handle the bite, including DNA collection from the wound to identify the coyote responsible.
The swift reaction from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USDA, which resulted in three coyotes being euthanized, has sparked outrage among local naturalists. Janet Kessler, who has been documenting these wild canines for nearly two decades, called this measure "horrible" and "a knee-jerk reaction" in a statement to SFGATE. Kessler criticizes the lack of specific signage about the coyotes' denning behavior which could have prevented this incident.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Chronicle reported on the mother's account, noting her appreciation for the camp organizers and wildlife officials for their handling of the event. California's coyote encounters are on the rise, especially during pupping season, which is known to cause protective aggressive behavior from the normally reclusive animals.
Understanding the conflict between an urban environment and wildlife behavior is crucial; as explained by the SF Animal Care & Control, coyotes are not candidates for relocation under state law and can exhibit assertive behaviors, particularly when protecting pups near their den. This aligns with what officials and the public are observing: coyotes who have grown familiar with city life, showing less fear and sometimes behaving assertively.
While coyotes are typically shy, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, especially during the animals' active seasons, and to adhere to guidelines on how to deal with encounters such as retreating slowly and making loud noises to shoo the animals away. Safety measures - like keeping dogs on leashes and cats indoors - cannot be underscored enough to minimize these interactions and prevent potential harm. For more information on coyote sightings and to report an encounter, SFACC offers resources and maintains a log of these occurrences within the city.
