The Bay Learning to Live With SF's Coyotes
Nov 28, 2025
Heather Knight, the San Francisco Bureau Chief for The New York Times, dives into the intriguing dynamics of coyotes in the city. She discusses their historical eradication in the 1900s and remarkable return in recent decades. Residents exhibit a love-hate relationship with these creatures, balancing admiration with fears for pets. Knight emphasizes their ecological importance in controlling local pest populations and shares practical tips for coexisting. Listeners learn about public reactions, intriguing incidents, and the city’s unique management policies.
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Coyotes Are Ubiquitous In The City
- Coyotes now roam many San Francisco neighborhoods and green spaces, becoming visible parts of daily life.
- Heather Knight says about 100 coyotes live in the city and are seen from Pier 39 to Glen Canyon.
Striking Urban Encounters
- Heather Knight recounts bizarre urban sightings like a coyote in a laundromat and one lounging on a patio.
- She notes people now treat coyotes like neighbors, greeting them on their walks.
Coyotes Naturally Recolonized The City
- Coyotes were eradicated for decades but naturally repopulated San Francisco in the early 2000s.
- DNA links show returning coyotes likely crossed from Marin via the Golden Gate Bridge, not from the south.