1. Are there coyotes in Rock Creek Park?
YES- Coyote sightings have been reported since May 2004; they were confirmed by staff in September 2004. Several animals have been seen in Rock Creek Park. Most of the sighting have been on the western side of the park in the Oregon Avenue/Bingham Road and Oregon Avenue/Military Road areas.

A Coyote in Rock Creek Park
photograph by USPP Officer Bellis

2. What do they look like?
They are gray to tannish with long snouts, large erect ears and a bushy tail with a black tip. They stand about 2 feet high at the shoulder. Their front legs have a dark vertical stripe on the shin, which may be hard to see. When running, coyotes hold their tail down almost between their legs. They look similar to a German Shepard dog, but coyotes have longer legs, longer snouts and bushier tails.

3. What do they eat?
Coyotes eat carrion (dead animals), berries and other vegetation. They also hunt small animals (mice, amphibians, snakes, birds). They hunt alone or in small family groups. they are not aggressive toward humans unless humans attempt to feed or interact with coyotes. Remember they are wild animals.

4. Are they dangerous to people?
NO- They are not interested in confronting people, even small children. Of course, parents should always keep an eye on children while in the park, but coyotes pose no special danger. They are not aggressive toward humans unless humans attempt to feed or interact with coyotes. Remember they are wild animals.They can be seen during the day, but they are most active in the evening and at night when the park is closed to pedestrian visitors.

5. Are they dangerous to pets?
MAYBE- Coyotes will hunt house cats and small dogs. However, if your pet is leashed (as DC and National Park Service regulations require) and you and your pet are on a trail (as Rock Creek Park regulations require), a coyote will likely not try to attack.

6. What should I do if I see a coyote?
You can stop and watch, but do not approach it. As with any wild animal, if it feels threatened by someone coming toward it or chasing it, it may feel the need to protect itself. DO NOT FEED or attempt to feed them. Once a wild animal gets accustomed to being fed by humans there is much more likelihood that an individual will get bitten by an animal looking for food.

Report the sighting to Resource Management Specialist Ken Ferebee at 202-895-6221. Let Ken know the date, time and location you saw the animal. Try to be as specific as possible. Leave your name and phone number so Ken can call you back if he has more questions.

7. What can neighbors do to prevent any unwanted contact and protect their pets and the coyotes?