Coyotes are no longer just a rural issue. From North State livestock losses to pet attacks in Sacramento neighborhoods, communities across California are seeing more aggressive and frequent coyote encounters.
On May 15, the California Fish and Game Commission’s Wildlife Resources Committee will consider major changes that could limit local control over how we manage coyotes — including restricting hunting, depredation removal, and pest control.
One proposal would reclassify coyotes as a “non-take” species, making it illegal for ranchers, farmers, pest control, or even public agencies to remove them — even when they threaten pets, livestock, or public safety.
Earlier this year, I joined Senator Dahle and others in pushing back on this idea. Thanks to bipartisan concern, the proposal was sent back for review — but now it’s back on the agenda, and we need your voice.
The agenda, background materials, and comment instructions are available at: www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings
Please email a letter to the Commission at [email protected]; or mail a letter to California Fish and Game Commission, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090by no later than May 12, 2025 urging them to reject any amendments that would restrict our communities’ ability to manage coyotes:
President Erika Zavaleta
California Fish and Game Commission
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
RE: Wildlife Resources Commission Meeting May 15, 2025, Agenda Item 4, Take of Coyotes
Dear President Zavaleta,
I write to express my strong opposition to the proposed removal of coyotes from the list of nongame mammals. This will have devastating consequences for our communities by restricting the ability of farmers and ranchers to manage coyote populations.
Over the past several years, there has been a sharp increase in coyote conflict. This include the loss of livestock, pets, and aggressive coyote behavior near homes, schools, and public parks.
These issues have become increasingly common and severe, with many local governments and property owners struggling to respond due to threats from wolves, mountain lions, and bears. Adding coyotes to this list of threats will hurt our communities and increase dangerous conflicts.
Farmers and ranchers in California rely on responsible wildlife management practices to protect their livelihoods. Unmanaged coyote populations wreak havoc by stressing livestock, killing animals, and raising the cost of food. This proposal unacceptable risks to the agricultural economy and communities that rely on our food.
While I appreciated the Commission’s decision to refer this issue back to Committee, the current wildlife management of coyotes strikes a necessary balance between wildlife protection, agriculture, and public safety. The proposed change would upset this delicate balance, jeopardizing the health of our environment, the prosperity of our farms, and public safety.
I urge the Commission to reject any amendments that would restrict our communities’ ability to manage coyotes.
Sincerely,
Your name here.
Let’s make sure the Commission hears from all corners of California.
Sincerely,
HEATHER HADWICK
Assemblymember, District 1
On May 15, the California Fish and Game Commission’s Wildlife Resources Committee will consider major changes that could limit local control over how we manage coyotes — including restricting hunting, depredation removal, and pest control.
One proposal would reclassify coyotes as a “non-take” species, making it illegal for ranchers, farmers, pest control, or even public agencies to remove them — even when they threaten pets, livestock, or public safety.
Earlier this year, I joined Senator Dahle and others in pushing back on this idea. Thanks to bipartisan concern, the proposal was sent back for review — but now it’s back on the agenda, and we need your voice.
The agenda, background materials, and comment instructions are available at: www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings
Please email a letter to the Commission at [email protected]; or mail a letter to California Fish and Game Commission, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090by no later than May 12, 2025 urging them to reject any amendments that would restrict our communities’ ability to manage coyotes:
President Erika Zavaleta
California Fish and Game Commission
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
RE: Wildlife Resources Commission Meeting May 15, 2025, Agenda Item 4, Take of Coyotes
Dear President Zavaleta,
I write to express my strong opposition to the proposed removal of coyotes from the list of nongame mammals. This will have devastating consequences for our communities by restricting the ability of farmers and ranchers to manage coyote populations.
Over the past several years, there has been a sharp increase in coyote conflict. This include the loss of livestock, pets, and aggressive coyote behavior near homes, schools, and public parks.
These issues have become increasingly common and severe, with many local governments and property owners struggling to respond due to threats from wolves, mountain lions, and bears. Adding coyotes to this list of threats will hurt our communities and increase dangerous conflicts.
Farmers and ranchers in California rely on responsible wildlife management practices to protect their livelihoods. Unmanaged coyote populations wreak havoc by stressing livestock, killing animals, and raising the cost of food. This proposal unacceptable risks to the agricultural economy and communities that rely on our food.
While I appreciated the Commission’s decision to refer this issue back to Committee, the current wildlife management of coyotes strikes a necessary balance between wildlife protection, agriculture, and public safety. The proposed change would upset this delicate balance, jeopardizing the health of our environment, the prosperity of our farms, and public safety.
I urge the Commission to reject any amendments that would restrict our communities’ ability to manage coyotes.
Sincerely,
Your name here.
Let’s make sure the Commission hears from all corners of California.
Sincerely,
HEATHER HADWICK
Assemblymember, District 1
