Portland Parks & Recreation's City Nature team cares for natural areas that serve as important habitat for local wildlife. We help protect and improve the ecological health of these spaces while supporting biodiversity across the Portland region and sustainable access to nature.
We follow guidance from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife when addressing wildlife in Portland’s natural areas and neighborhoods. This includes native animals like coyotes and elk, as well as invasive ones like nutria.
About coyotes in Portland
Coyotes are native to Oregon and are part of the dog family. They play a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by helping control rodent populations. It's common to see coyotes in natural areas, even during daylight hours, because they are highly adaptable to urban environments.
How to coexist with coyotes
You can help keep our natural areas safe for people and wildlife by following a few simple practices:
- Supervise young children and keep pets on a leash.
- Keep cats indoors. This also helps protect Portland’s native bird populations.
- If a coyote approaches, make loud noises, such as clapping or shouting, to scare it away.
- Report any coyote sightings.
Learn more
Here are some trusted resources to learn more about coyotes and how to safely live alongside them:
Portland Urban Coyote Project: A community science partnership between Portland State University and Bird Alliance of Oregon. Learn about coyote biology, local sightings, and public events like Coyote-palooza.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Living with Coyotes: A helpful fact sheet from Oregon’s wildlife experts for anyone living in “coyote country.”
Bird Alliance of Oregon – Urban Wildlife: Tips and guidance for safely coexisting with coyotes and other urban wildlife.