It’s not every day that you find a wild animal stretched out comfortably on your patio furniture.
Even if you know a little about wildlife, stumbling upon such a sight is bound to leave you surprised — and if you know nothing about the animal’s nature, it can be even more unnerving.
That’s exactly what happened to one San Francisco homeowner, who awoke to find an unexpected guest lounging peacefully in his yard. Unsure of what to do, he called Animal Control for help.
A Cozy Morning Nap
Looking out his window, the homeowner first thought he was seeing a dog resting on the patio.
The animal had curled up on the sunlit couch, soaking in the warmth and comfort of the perfect spot for a nap.
But when the man cautiously stepped outside to shoo him away, things didn’t go as expected.
“The animal was reluctant to move when the resident approached,” Animal Care & Control Officer Mullen explained in a post.
Realizing he needed backup, the homeowner contacted Animal Care & Control San Francisco. Officer Mullen responded quickly and soon discovered the animal wasn’t a stray dog at all — but a wild coyote enjoying the patio.
Surprisingly, the coyote wasn’t injured or aggressive. He was simply drowsy and content to rest.
“I approached the coyote and started talking to him, telling him that it was time to get up,” Mullen wrote. “He looked at me, got up, took a big stretch, and made his way to the edge of the yard.”
The coyote then calmly leapt over the fence and disappeared into the wooded area behind the home, off to find a quieter spot to nap.
Far from the dangerous image many people have, this coyote seemed docile and well-mannered, surprising both the officer and the homeowner who knew little about these animals.
A Misunderstood Neighbor
According to Officer Mullen, the visitor was a young, healthy male likely just starting out on his own after leaving his family group.
Fall and early winter are the seasons when young coyotes are pushed out of their dens to search for new territory, which often brings them closer to people.
Despite their reputation, coyotes are not typically dangerous unless they feel threatened or are protecting pups. In fact, they play an important role in keeping rodent populations under control, making them valuable to the ecosystem.
Unfortunately, a lack of knowledge often leads to fear and conflict. Even in San Francisco, where around 100 coyotes are known to live, many residents remain unaware of how to coexist peacefully with them.
Stories like this one highlight the importance of education and understanding. Instead of rushing to judgment, learning to live alongside coyotes can make encounters like this less frightening — and even a little amusing.
After all, sometimes they just need a sunny patio couch for a quick nap.