Coyotes are beautiful and fascinating animals, but they are also wild animals. Keeping a coyote as a pet is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal in the state of California.

Can You Have a Coyote as a Pet in California?

Why is it illegal to have a coyote as a pet in California?

Coyotes are considered to be public nuisance animals in California, and it is illegal to possess, harbor, or sell them without a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Coyotes are wild animals and can be unpredictable. They are also capable of causing serious injury or death to humans and other animals.

In addition, coyotes can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as rabies and distemper.

What are the penalties for keeping a coyote as a pet in California?

The penalties for keeping a coyote as a pet in California can be severe.

First-time offenders may be fined up to $1,000 and may be required to surrender the coyote to animal control.

Repeat offenders may be fined up to $2,000 and may be sentenced to up to six months in jail.

What should you do if you see a coyote?

If you see a coyote, the best thing to do is to stay calm and slowly back away. Do not approach the coyote, and do not attempt to feed it.

If the coyote is acting aggressively, you should make yourself look as large as possible and make loud noises. You can also try to scare the coyote away by throwing rocks or sticks.

If you are attacked by a coyote, you should fight back as hard as you can. Try to hit the coyote on the head or nose, and try to gouge its eyes.

If you find a baby coyote, what should you do?

If you find a baby coyote, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. The mother coyote is likely nearby and will come back for her pup.

If the baby coyote is injured or orphaned, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

Conclusion

Coyotes are beautiful and fascinating animals, but they are not suitable pets. They are wild animals and can be dangerous. Keeping a coyote as a pet is not only illegal, but it is also dangerous for the animal and the people around it.