San Diego Humane Society Promotes Coyote Coexistence During Awareness Week

Animal experts say coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem and provide tips for peaceful coexistence.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:06am

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The San Diego Humane Society is encouraging coexistence, not conflict, during Coyote Awareness Week, which runs from March 16-22. The effort serves as a reminder of the important role coyotes play in the ecosystem and highlights steps people can take to accommodate their wild neighbors, such as protecting pets, removing attractants, and practicing humane hazing if a coyote is encountered.

Why it matters

As communities expand into wildlife habitats, encounters with coyotes have become more common. Understanding coyote behavior and taking precautions can help keep both people and wildlife safe. Coyotes are a natural and important part of San Diego County's ecosystem, helping to maintain ecological balance by controlling rodent populations, limiting disease transmission, and removing carrion.

The details

The San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife has cared for more than 100 injured, ill or orphaned coyotes in 2025 and has already treated 19 since January 1. Coyotes are native to Southern California and all of North America, and the Golden State is home to one of the largest coyote populations in the country. San Diego County has seen a rise in coyote sightings due to factors like habitat loss, mating season, and human hunting practices. Coyotes are naturally timid and tend to avoid humans, but can become aggressive if they lose their fear of people by becoming comfortable in neighborhoods where they are fed or habituated to urban environments.

  • Coyote Awareness Week is held during the third week of March, which is typically when coyote mating and pupping season occurs.
  • Project Wildlife has cared for more than 100 injured, ill or orphaned coyotes in 2025.
  • Project Wildlife has already treated 19 coyotes since January 1, 2026.

The players

San Diego Humane Society

A nonprofit organization that provides animal welfare services and promotes coexistence between humans and wildlife in the San Diego region.

Project Coyote

An organization that established Coyote Awareness Week to address common misconceptions about coyotes and promote peaceful coexistence.

Autumn Welch

The wildlife operations manager at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state agency that provides guidance on how to safely interact with coyotes, including practicing humane hazing techniques.

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What’s next

The San Diego Humane Society and Project Coyote will continue to educate the public about coexisting with coyotes throughout Coyote Awareness Week and beyond.

The takeaway

By understanding coyote behavior and taking simple precautions, such as protecting pets and removing attractants, San Diego residents can safely coexist with these important members of the local ecosystem.