Coyote 'Pupping Season' Prompts Partial Closure Of Popular Bay Area Trails

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Two popular Bay Area trails will be closed until October due to coyote "pupping season," according to wildlife officials.

Pupping season is the time when coyotes give birth to their pups and settle their families into dens. During this time, coyotes can be protective of their dens.

Presidio Trust wildlife officials have closed Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail to dogwalkers through early October to "reduce conflicts between coyotes, dogs, and people."

"Those with dogs are encouraged to use other of the park’s many trails," Presidio wildlife officials said in a statement in late March. "Park visitors and residents are advised to keep dogs on short leashes and under control at all times."

The Park Trail closure extends from Mountain Lake to the Presidio Promenade, while the Bay Area Ridge Trail will be closed from Rob Hill Campground to the Presidio Golf Course.

In the meantime, dogwalkers can still access some of the area's other trails.

Those who do encounter coyotes should keep their distance unless trying to deter it or haze it and never try to feed one.

To deter it, maintain eye contact to make them uncomfortable, wave your arms around and try to make yourself seem as big and aggressive as possible, according to wildlife officials.