Yosemite Winter Coyotes

Observing coyotes in the wintertime is a wonderful experience.  It is great fun to watch a coyote leap high above the ground and then pounce upon the snow.  With their keen sense of hearing and smell, coyotes are able to track rodents in the tunnels beneath the snow.  The coyote; from Nahuatl is a canine native to North America. It is smaller than its close relative, the gray wolf, and slightly smaller than the closely related eastern wolf and red wolf.

ORIGIN mid 18th cent.: from Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyotl .

Sightings of coyotes in developed areas within Yosemite Valley have increased over this December.  In particular, coyotes have been observed approaching dogs in campgrounds and housing areas. Please be extra cautious to keep pets on short (6 foot) leashes while in the Park.  Do not leave pets outside unattended.

If you see a coyote approaching you, make a lot of noise, wave your arms to look bigger, and keep children close by.  As always, please remember to store your food properly at all times and never feed the wildlife! Report any concerning coyote behavior to the Valley Wildlife office by emailing yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or by leaving a message on the bear hotline at (209) 372-0322. 

Observing coyotes in the wintertime is a wonderful experience.  It is great fun to watch a coyote leap high above the ground and then pounce upon the snow.

Scenic Wonders invites you to visit beautiful Yosemite. Stay in one of our family homes or condominiums.  Call our reservation desk at 1-888-YOSEMITE.