Why You Should Never Feed Coyotes in Borrego Springs, California
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If you live in or visit Borrego Springs, California, you may be familiar with the coyotes that are native to the area. These small, intelligent animals are an important part of the local ecosystem, and they can be fascinating to watch from a distance. However, it’s important to remember that coyotes are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution.
One of the reasons why you should never feed coyotes in Borrego Springs is that it can lead to problems for both humans and coyotes. According to this article ( https://nbcpalmsprings.com/2022/12/15/coyote-attacks-on-the-rise-in-southern-california-humans-to-blame/ ), coyote attacks on humans are on the rise in Southern California, and experts say that humans are to blame. When coyotes are fed by humans, they can become accustomed to receiving food and may start to associate humans with food. This can lead to aggressive behavior and even attacks, as coyotes may try to get food from people or pets.
In addition to the risk of attacks, feeding coyotes can also have negative consequences for the animals themselves. When coyotes become reliant on human food, they may lose their natural hunting and foraging skills. This can lead to malnutrition and other health problems, as coyotes are not adapted to eating the same types of food that humans eat. (The coyote image in this blog is from an unwell coyote in Borrego Springs.)
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your community from coyotes? The first and most important step is to never feed coyotes or other wild animals. This includes not only intentionally feeding them, but also leaving out food or trash that they could access. In addition, you can take steps to secure your property and make it less appealing to coyotes, such as fencing, motion-activated lighting, and using animal-proof trash cans.
Overall, it’s important to remember that coyotes are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. By not feeding them and taking steps to protect yourself and your community, you can help to ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and coyotes in Borrego Springs.
Here are some precautions to take when living among coyotes in Borrego Springs:
- Never feed coyotes or other wild animals. This includes not only intentionally feeding them, but also leaving out food or trash that they could access.
- Keep pets and small children close by when outside. Coyotes are attracted to small animals, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pets and make sure they are secure.
- Secure your property. Coyotes are opportunistic animals and may be attracted to food or other resources that are easily accessible. To reduce the risk of coyotes coming onto your property, consider fencing, motion-activated lighting, and using animal-proof trash cans.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings. Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, so be extra vigilant during these times. If you see a coyote, make sure to keep your distance and make noise to scare it off.
- Know what to do if you encounter a coyote. If you encounter a coyote, try to remain calm and make yourself as large as possible by waving your arms and shouting. If the coyote does not retreat, back away slowly while continuing to make noise.
- Report any aggressive or unusual coyote behavior to local authorities. If you see a coyote acting aggressively or behaving unusually, contact your local animal control or wildlife management agency.
- KEEP an eye out when driving! They will run in front of a speeding vehicle and often there is more than one traveling together.
By following these precautions, you can help to protect yourself and your community from coyotes and coexist peacefully with these wild animals in Borrego Springs.
