Coyotes can survive and even thrive in many different environments, including in cities and backyards. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores and mainly eat rodents, fruit, and nuts but they will also consume whatever food they can find including food waste, pet food, and sometimes small pets like outdoor cats. It is not unusual to see coyotes in urban areas like Portland, even during the daytime.
As urban coyote sighting reports increase across Portland neighborhoods, local non-profits, civic organizations, academic and tribal partners, and ODFW launched CoyotePalooza, an outreach event that helps Portlanders learn how to coexist with urban coyotes. Hosted by the Portland Urban Coyote Project, ODFW, and numerous other partner organizations, this annual event features interactive activities, educational booths, and community science opportunities, all aimed at demystifying coyote behavior and promoting coexistence.