I see coyotes in San Francisco pretty often. Usually around 5:30 in the morning as I’m driving to go fishing. They move along the roads and trails of Golden Gate Park with quiet confidence, like they know exactly where they’re going. I assume they’re heading back to their dens after a morning of hunting.

Once, I was walking in the park and one crossed right in front of me, calm and uninterested. He slipped into the brush, not even glancing my way. They’re shy around people and don’t want anything to do with dogs. If you see one while walking your pup, just keep moving.

Coyotes first showed up in SF around 2001. Now we’ve got a stable population. They’re territorial, so only a certain number can live in each area. When young coyotes come of age, they leave and look for new territory, probably outside the city.

One time I saw a coyote right in the Castro, near 18th and Diamond, just waiting to cross the street like a jay walker. Made eye contact with me through the Uber window. It looked like he was thinking, “You done yet? I gotta cross.”

If you’re curious, look up Janet Kessler on Instagram. She’s been documenting SF’s coyotes for years. Her photos are stunning, and she really understands how these animals survive in the city. Definitely worth a follow.