Coyotes are a natural part of Folsom’s landscape, contributing to the unique environment that makes the city distinctive by nature, and lately there’s more reports of them than in the past. The City of Folsom is reminding concerned residents that coyotes do play an important role in the local ecosystem, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure safe coexistence.
As urban expansion continues to encroach on natural habitats, these highly adaptable animals have become more visible in populated neighborhoods, drawn by food sources, water availability, and an absence of natural predators. While they play an important role in the ecosystem by keeping rodent populations in check, it’s essential for residents to take precautions to ensure a safe coexistence.
Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of unsecured garbage, pet food, and even fallen fruit in yards. Water sources such as sprinklers, birdbaths, and drainage ditches can also attract them, especially during dry months. To minimize encounters, residents are encouraged to secure garbage in tightly closed containers, remove outdoor pet food, and pick up any fallen fruit that could serve as an easy meal. Small pets should be brought indoors at night, and outdoor enclosures for animals such as rabbits or chickens should be reinforced.
General safety measures can also help reduce unwanted interactions. Installing motion-activated lights, trimming shrubs to eliminate hiding spots, and supervising children and pets outdoors are all effective ways to deter coyotes from frequenting residential areas. Springtime requires particular caution, as coyotes become more protective of their young and may display more territorial behavior.
If a coyote is encountered at close range, it’s important not to run. Making loud noises, waving arms, or throwing small objects in the animal’s direction can usually scare it away. In the rare instance that a coyote appears aggressive or follows someone, authorities should be contacted. For emergencies, residents should call 9-1-1, while non-emergency sightings can be reported to the Folsom Police Department at 916-461-6400 or the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 916-358-2900.
