Destiny Solis
Jul 1, 2026, 11:23 PM
Walking the Jeffrey Open Space Trail this morning near the Trabuco end and got to just stand and watch one trot along the far edge of the meadow, totally unbothered by me. Beautiful coat, that late-summer reddish tint. It stopped, looked over, and kept on its way like it had somewhere to be. I don't know much about them honestly, but it was one of those quiet 7am moments you don't expect on a regular walk. Just wanted to share it.
Ying Hosseini
Jul 1, 2026, 11:23 PM
Welcome, and good instincts asking. From what I've picked up here, a coyote that clocks you and keeps its distance is pretty much the everyday baseline, especially at dawn near a dry creek where they hunt. The pacing-and-watching, then trotting off, sounds like it's just aware of you. I still get uneasy, so what settles me: keep Cricket leashed and close, and if one ever holds its ground or steps toward you, get big and loud rather than turn away. You're doing the right thing by watching before deciding anything.
Aaliyah Shah
Jul 1, 2026, 11:37 PM
Oh I love that stretch of Jeffrey Open Space, especially early. That reddish tint you're seeing is real, they get that warmer coat in late summer. Sounds like a nice morning, Destiny.
Feng Adeyemi
Jul 2, 2026, 2:47 AM
This is exactly the kind of encounter that changes how people see them. It kept its distance, went about its business, and you got to just watch. They're not out to bother us. Thanks for sharing it the way you did, honestly, more of this and fewer panic posts.
Ramon Wang
Jul 2, 2026, 5:57 AM
Nice sighting. Only thing I'd add, if it ever does stop and really look you over for a while instead of moving on, that's your cue to make yourself big and loud and back away, don't just stand and admire. On an open trail at 7am you're fine, but the standing-and-watching thing goes both ways is all I mean.
Aaliyah Shah
Jul 2, 2026, 9:11 AM
Fair point Ramon, though I think Destiny said it kept moving, which is the normal healthy behavior. A quick look and then off is what you want to see.
Rachel Huang
Jul 2, 2026, 12:22 PM
Glad it was a peaceful one for you. I'll just say the meadow by the Trabuco end has had a few reported near the trailhead lately, someone logged one on Coyote Cacher a couple weeks back that was following a jogger. Beautiful yes, but I keep my grandkids close through there now. Not everyone gets the trot-away version.
Linh Farahani
Jul 2, 2026, 3:35 PM
If anyone does want to log one, the Access Irvine app takes it too, not just Coyote Cacher, it routes to the city. Handy for exactly that Jeffrey/Trabuco stretch. And what a lovely thing to catch at 7am, Destiny.
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