It’s a rare sight to find a wild animal lounging on your patio furniture.
While you may be somewhat knowledgeable about wildlife, encountering one up close can still be startling. This is especially true if you’re unfamiliar with the animal’s behavior and how it might react.
This situation unfolded one morning when an Animal Control Officer received a call from a distressed homeowner who discovered an unexpected visitor enjoying a nap on his patio.
An Unexpected Guest Dozing Peacefully On The Patio
When the homeowner peered out the window of his San Francisco residence, he was taken aback by what appeared to be a dog relaxing on his patio furniture.
This unexpected visitor was sprawled out on the couch where the sun’s rays were warming it up. The allure of such comfort was irresistible.
However, when the homeowner bravely tried to approach him, he didn’t get the response he had hoped for.
“The animal was hesitant to move when the resident approached,” Animal Care & Control Officer Mullen mentioned in a post.
Thus, he promptly reached out for assistance. When the Animal Care & Control San Francisco officer arrived shortly after the call, she realized this was not just a neighbor’s dog. Instead, a wild coyote had taken up residence on the couch.
The officer found the coyote to be in great condition, apparently just in need of some sleep.
“I approached the coyote and started chatting with him, letting him know it was time to rise,” Mullen reported. “He glanced at me, stood up, stretched, and strolled towards the edge of the yard.”
With ease, the coyote hopped over the fence and wandered into the dense foliage behind the home to find a more appropriate resting spot.
Contrary to common stereotypes, this wild coyote exhibited such a calm demeanor that he didn’t need any further prodding to leave.
This was surprising to the homeowner, who was initially unaware of the true nature of this magnificent animal.
Misunderstood Creatures Indeed
According to Mullen, this coyote was a young, healthy male, likely recently displaced from his den, searching for a place to settle in the city.
In fact, it is common to see coyotes during this time of year—fall and early winter. This is the season when young coyotes are separated from their parents and seek out new homes.
Contrary to popular belief, they typically pose no threat to humans unless they are defending themselves or their young, as evidenced by the coyote in this story.
Additionally, they play a crucial role in managing rodent populations, making them vital contributors to the ecosystem.
Sadly, many individuals, even within San Francisco—home to about 100 coyotes—are not well-versed in the nature of this beautiful creature. As a result, they often become victims of unjustified fear.
Therefore, it is beneficial for people to educate themselves and learn how to coexist with coyotes, rather than making hasty judgments.
We hope that this delightful tale of a gentle coyote will raise awareness among those unfamiliar with the true nature of these animals.
If nothing else, the coyotes may find a cozy spot on patio furniture in the future… 🙂
