If You Encounter a Coyote . .

Coyotes play an integral role in our parks by regulating the rodent population. They avoid people whenever possible and aggressive behavior towards humans is unusual. It's most often the result of habituation due to feeding by humans. If you encounter a coyote remember the following:

• Never feed a coyote.
• Avoid direct eye contact.
• Always keep yourself between the coyote and small children or pets.
• Don't turn your back or run from the coyote.
• Attempt to leave the area calmly.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises and make yourself look big. If this fails, throw rocks.
• If attacked, fight back.