4 Coyote Pups Found Under Deck In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — Four coyote pups were recently found under the deck of a home in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego, the San Diego Humane Society announced.

The young coyotes were brought to the organization's Project Wildlife program, where they will be raised in captivity until they are old enough to be released into the wild.

"Because our Project Wildlife team is unable to release the pups to their original location or to reunite them with their parents, these pups will need to be raised in captivity, until old enough to be released into the wild," Humane Society spokesperson Nina Thompson said.

"While this situation is unfortunate, it serves as a valuable reminder that the best place for baby wildlife is with their parent(s)," Thompson said. "Often, the absence of a parent doesn't mean the baby has been abandoned. If you find a litter of wild animals, it's crucial to leave them undisturbed while giving the parents time to return."

During the spring, coyotes give birth to pups and raise litters, which are often found near their dens or burrows, according to the San Diego Humane Society. Pups stay in the den for three to four weeks before venturing out into their environment.

"If the parents feel their young are threatened, they will move their pups to another den site," Thompson said. "Often times, the parents have already picked a new den site, but they wait until nighttime to safely move their pups."

Coyotes typically steer clear of humans, according to the San Diego Humane Society, but the presence of pet food, compost or trash can attract coyotes to yards.

"If you have unwanted wildlife in your yard, there are humane ways to encourage them to move on," Thompson said.

The organization advised community members to keep all food and water indoors and ensure trash is stored in high-quality containers with tight-fitting lids. When encountering a coyote, residents should use hazing techniques such as yelling and waving your arms, making noise with pots and pans, or using a whistle or air horn.

"By using proactive measures and understanding the natural behaviors of coyotes, we can coexist with our wild friends while safeguarding both their welfare and ours," Thompson said.