Issued By:
Lieutenant Zilverio Rivera, Petaluma PD, 707.778.4372
Incident: Coyote Sightings in East Petaluma – Community Awareness and Wildlife Safety
Over the past two weeks, the Petaluma Police Department has received more than 20 calls regarding sightings of a coyote in east Petaluma.
Wildlife Rescue has advised the Department that the coyote appears healthy, is native to the area, has not displayed aggressive behavior, and is engaging in normal wildlife activity. Based on this assessment, the coyote does not currently pose a known threat to public safety.
The Petaluma Police Department reminds residents that coyotes are a natural part of our local ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining environmental balance. Seeing a coyote in a residential neighborhood does not necessarily indicate a danger to the community.
Residents are asked not to contact the Police Department, Animal Control, or Wildlife Rescue to report additional sightings of this coyote unless concerning behavior is observed. If a coyote displays aggressive or threatening behavior that poses an immediate danger to people, please call 9-1-1.
To promote the safety of residents, pets, and local wildlife, community members are encouraged to maintain a safe distance from coyotes, never approach or feed them, secure garbage and other potential food sources, and keep small pets supervised when outdoors. If you encounter a coyote, remain calm, do not run, and give the animal space to move away.
The Petaluma Police Department appreciates the community's concern and cooperation. By respecting wildlife and taking simple precautions, we can safely coexist with the animals that naturally inhabit our community.
Media inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Zilverio Rivera at [email protected]or phone (707) 781-1277. Case 26-3272.
Photo Credit: Lanette Lespade
