Coyote crossing Sand Canyon near the Quail Hill loop about ten minute…

Hannah Nazarian

Jul 1, 2026, 11:23 PM

You're not overreacting, and please don't let anyone talk you out of that instinct. A coyote that stands there and studies you and your little dog is already too comfortable around people — that's exactly the behavior I'd report to Irvine Animal Care, twice, with dates. On the 7:30 walk: I'd have your daughter and her friends stick together and carry a whistle, and honestly I'd drive her the week you're seeing one that bold. Better to look overcautious than to gamble on a kid's route.

Aiko Cho

Jul 1, 2026, 11:39 PM

Thanks for the heads up Maricel. I walk my two over by the Quail Hill loop most mornings and I've seen that same one, or one like it, crossing near the trailhead a couple times this week. It really does just trot on by. Still keeps me a little on edge, so I appreciate you flagging the time.

Aditi Solis

Jul 2, 2026, 2:16 AM

That's textbook coyote behavior honestly, moving through at dawn, keeping its distance, not hanging around. Nothing to worry about there. They've had that corridor between Quail Hill and Shady Canyon long before the loop trail did. Leash close, give it room, and you two are on the same page.

Sofia Okoro

Jul 2, 2026, 4:57 AM

I don't love how casual everyone gets about this. 7:40 is when kids are heading to the bus stop over there. One trotting across the road today is one following a stroller next week. I logged mine on Coyote Cacher this spring and honestly wish the city would do more than take reports.

Hui Lopez

Jul 2, 2026, 7:33 AM

Genuine question since I'm newer to that area, is a sighting right around 7:40 considered late for them? I always thought it was more of a pre-sunrise thing. Or does the time not really mean much this time of year?

Aditi Solis

Jul 2, 2026, 10:14 AM

Hui, summer they shift earlier and later to beat the heat, so around dusk and just after first light is pretty normal, pups are getting bigger too so the adults are out working more. A daytime trot-through on its own isn't the alarm bell people think it is. Sofia, totally hear the worry near the bus stop, but a coyote using a corridor isn't the same as one following anyone, that's a different behavior entirely.

Duc Delacruz

Jul 2, 2026, 12:53 PM

For what it's worth, Access Irvine app has a wildlife reporting option too, not just Coyote Cacher, and it's quick. I filed one from Turtle Rock last month. Doesn't remove anything but it does help them map where the activity is. Maricel if you've got a minute the intersection and time you posted is exactly what they want.

Aiko Cho

Jul 2, 2026, 3:33 PM

Filed it on Access Irvine just now, took two minutes like Duc said. And I tried the whole clap-and-get-big thing on a walk once when one lingered a bit, felt ridiculous but it did move right off. Anyway, staying leashed over there, thanks all.