SAN FRANCISCO – Signs have been posted at Crissy Field on San Francisco’s north waterfront to warn people, especially pet owners, about coyotes in the area after the Golden Gate National Recreation Area received reports of several attacks on stray dogs.
Signs ask dog owners to ensure their pets are on a leash. Despite the warnings, many let their dogs roam free here.
Gilles Dezeusre says he comes to the beach three to four times a week with his dogs Nona and Nigel. He’s heard about the coyote attacks and says he’s had a close encounter himself.
“One night I woke up this little guy off leash in the middle of the night in Golden Gate Park. It’s a really bad idea. You just can’t do that anymore,” Dezeusre said.
He saw a coyote nearby that followed his dog for several yards.
“I knew my dog was in immediate danger,” he said.
He immediately called his dog to come to him and chased the coyote away. His two small dogs are the main targets for the predators.
“They’re kind of like a snack for a coyote,” he said. “So I should be careful. Just be a little more careful.”
Golden Gate National Recreation Area wildlife biologists believe one or more coyotes in the area have become accustomed to unleashing dogs and are becoming more aggressive toward them.
The dog Lady has done her part to scare away coyotes. Her owner did not want to appear on camera, but said Lady is the official coyote patrol dog at Crissy Field.
“She smells them and starts yelling, ‘Woof! Woof! Woof!'” Mike said. “She’s leaving, but she doesn’t leave or move until I say ‘go’.”
The GGNRA is warning dog owners to take extra care early in the morning and at night to keep their pets safe. Dezeusre has spotted more coyotes than ever before in the park and he says vigilance is the key to coexisting with the animals.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing,” he said. “I think we just have to learn to live with them and be more aware of the danger because they are dangerous.”
