Menlo Park saw a surge in coyote sightings last month, with the Peninsula Humane Society reporting an increase in related calls.
Most sightings have been found in urban areas, like Seminary Oaks, Linfield Oaks, Central Menlo, The Willows, and even crowded places like Downtown Menlo Park.
Sophomore Mica Podoly was walking to school on Oak Grove Avenue with her friends when she spotted a coyote crossing the street into the Church of Nativity Parking lot. “I was not super concerned at the moment. I just thought it was odd, but a few days later, my mom told me coyotes were roaming Menlo Park,” she said. “This made me realize it could be a serious situation.”
“It’s really weird that coyotes are in this part of Menlo Park. I only see them in Portola Valley, and even there, it is rare,” senior Sophie Chi said.
The Peninsula Humane Society reported that coyotes could be entering urban areas due to the availability of accessible food sources like garbage, pet food, and small animals. Additionally, coyotes’ mating season goes from late winter to early spring. During this time, coyotes expand their territory in search of partners, leading to more sightings in residential neighborhoods.
Menlo Park is not the only place seeing increased coyote encounters. More urban areas like San Francisco have experienced spikes in sightings. Coyotes were even spotted in highly populated areas like Pier 39.
While coyotes are naturally wary of people, it is still important to be careful when they are present. “Stay away from them as much as possible. If there’s a known place they are seen, stay away from that area, especially if it’s baby season,” Colleen Crowley, a spokesperson for the Peninsula Humane Society, said. “Give coyotes and their babies space.”
When approached by a coyote, the Peninsula Humane Society recommends you immediately back away and make yourself big and loud. You can protect yourself by carrying an umbrella to appear larger and a whistle or horn to make noise if approached.
Some are concerned about the impact humans have on coyotes. “My friend and I were leaving for our run, and we passed a coyote digging through garbage and chewing on trash. It then ran into oncoming traffic, almost getting hit,” junior Riya Mehta said.
“It’s a little concerning to think coyotes are running around outside, especially where people could be walking during the day and potentially with their pets,” sophomore Charlie Weber said.
“Many don’t understand that coyotes are a vital and valuable part of our ecosystem. They provide many services, such as rodent control, reducing the spread of Lyme disease, dead animal clean-up, and encouraging biodiversity,” Crowley said.
“It’s their land,” Mehta added. “Just because we industrialize it does not mean they are not free to roam it. It’s just very concerning for their safety.”
