Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed information about coyotes, check out our tutorial.
What is the goal of the Portland Urban Coyote Project (PUCP)
The Portland Urban Coyote Project is a community science and education project. Our mission is to understand how people and coyotes interact and to help the community learn about our coyote neighbors.
We achieve our mission by:
We achieve our mission by:
- Collecting, mapping, and analyzing coyote sightings in the Portland metropolitan area and sharing the results with the scientific community and general public
- Providing free, accessible, and evidence-based information about living with coyotes
HOW WILL MY COYOTE SIGHTING REPORT BE USED?
The goal of the Portland Urban Coyote Project is to understand how humans and coyotes live together in Portland. The sightings you report are shared on the Coyote Sightings Map on our website. Additionally, we use the data we collect to look for patterns in coyote sightings and to better understand human-coyote interactions in Portland. We will publish links and study materials on the Portland Urban Coyote Project website as they are produced.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM WORRIED ABOUT KEEPING MY PETS SAFE AROUND COYOTES?
To keep coyotes out of your yard and away from your pets, we suggest that you use hazing tactics. Hazing tactics include any behaviors that scare and discourage coyotes from being near humans. When you see a coyote, yell very loudly or shake a metal coffee can filled with coins. If you make the coyotes feel unwelcome then you should see them less frequently.
If you want to learn more about living near coyotes, check out the tutorial we created. Also, a research project in Chicago has put together a website with more detailed information about how to prevent coyote conflicts.
If you want to learn more about living near coyotes, check out the tutorial we created. Also, a research project in Chicago has put together a website with more detailed information about how to prevent coyote conflicts.
What should I do if I encounter a coyote?
If you encounter a coyote, it will most likely run away from you. If it sticks around and is making you uncomfortable, help discourage it from staying in the area by shouting or waving your arms. For additional information on how to discourage coyotes from being near people, check out our tutorial.
DO YOU WANT TO SEE A PICTURE OR VIDEO I TOOK OF A COYOTE IN THE PORTLAND METRO?
Yes! Please tag us in videos and pictures on Instagram @portlandcoyote or Facebook.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I ENCOUNTER A COYOTE THAT IS ACTING STRANGE, AGGRESSIVE, OR SICK?
If a coyote is very difficult to scare away from you, is acting aggressively, or appears to be seriously injured or sick, please call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 971-673-6000 or to report the coyote's behavior.
Are Coyotes Endangered?
No, coyotes are not endangered.
One of the comments we see often is along the lines of “We are the ones who destroyed coyote habitat” or “Coyotes were here first” or “Coyotes are being forced into cities because they no longer have wild spaces.” Interestingly, coyotes weren’t necessarily in Oregon before humans and, while they have moved into cities, they also thrive in rural environments.
Coyotes do not share the common story of endangered species who have lost their wild habitats and reduced their population and range. In fact, coyotes are thriving in rural, suburban, and urban environments. Unlike so many other animals, coyotes do well living alongside humans. The scientific term for this type of animal is a synanthrope (read more here). Coyotes are listed as animals of “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In fact, coyotes populations are expanding.
One of the comments we see often is along the lines of “We are the ones who destroyed coyote habitat” or “Coyotes were here first” or “Coyotes are being forced into cities because they no longer have wild spaces.” Interestingly, coyotes weren’t necessarily in Oregon before humans and, while they have moved into cities, they also thrive in rural environments.
Coyotes do not share the common story of endangered species who have lost their wild habitats and reduced their population and range. In fact, coyotes are thriving in rural, suburban, and urban environments. Unlike so many other animals, coyotes do well living alongside humans. The scientific term for this type of animal is a synanthrope (read more here). Coyotes are listed as animals of “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In fact, coyotes populations are expanding.