SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Humane Society is marking Coyote Awareness Week by encouraging residents to learn more about the vital role coyotes play in the region’s ecosystem.
Established by Project Coyote, the awareness week coincides with coyote mating and pupping season from March through May, when the animals are more active in foraging for food and may be more visible in neighborhoods.
Coyotes play an important role in San Diego County by helping control rodent populations, reducing disease transmission and removing carrion from the environment, according to San Diego Humane Society.
Wildlife officials said encounters can become more common as development expands into natural habitats.
In 2025, San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife cared for 107 injured, ill or orphaned coyotes. The organization has already treated 19 since Jan. 1.
“As our communities grow and expand into wildlife habitat, encounters with coyotes can become more common,” said Autumn Welch, wildlife operations manager at the organization’s Ramona Wildlife Center. “Understanding their behavior and taking simple precautions can help keep both people and wildlife safe.”
Coyote mating and pupping season takes place from March through May. Credit: San Diego Humane Society
Officials said coyotes typically avoid people but may become more comfortable in neighborhoods where food is easily available.
San Diego Humane Society offered the following tips residents can take to keep themselves, pets and wildlife safe:
Protect your pets: Walk dogs on a leash and supervise pets when they are outside.Remove attractants: Secure trash, bring pet food and water indoors and pick up any fallen fruit or birdseed.Practice humane hazing: If you see a coyote behaving boldly, stand tall, wave your arms, make noise and encourage them to move along.