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May 9, 2025
SALEM, Ore. – Join ODFW and partners for the second annual Coyote-palooza: a day of discovery and learning dedicated to one of nature’s most adaptable creatures! This free event will be in Portland on Saturday, May 31 from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. adjacent to the Portland State University Farmers Market (SW Park/SW Montgomery).
Coyotes can survive and even thrive in many different environments – including in cities and our backyards. Coyote-palooza is a family- and pet-friendly event that will feature booths where you can learn about coyote identification and biology, participate in hands-on activities for adults and kids, and discover ways to keep pets and people safe.
You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about coyotes' cultural significance, their role in our ecosystem, and how to coyote-proof your space. Stop by for some fun and walk away with new knowledge and tools for coexisting with coyotes. Don’t forget to pick up an event passport—visit each booth to collect stamps and you’ll be entered to win Coyote-palooza swag or one of our grand prizes: a brand-new pair of binoculars or a gift certificate for a catio.
“This event has really taken off, and we’re thrilled to be back for a second year,” said Zuriel van Belle, Director of the Portland Urban Coyote Project. “Coyotes are part of our urban landscape, and Coyote-palooza is a great way for people to ask questions, share stories, and celebrate Portland’s urban wildlife.”
Spread the word!
Visit the Portland Urban Coyote Project website to download an event poster or find the event onFacebook. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors—or post a flyer at your favorite dog park, library, or community center.
The poster was designed by Randi Vaughan, winner of the first-ever Coyote-palooza poster contest. Their striking artwork, featuring downtown Portland in neon cranberry and deep purple, captures the city’s spirit and places coyotes at its heart on the iconic Portland White Stag sign.
Coyotes in Oregon
Coyotes are found all across our urban, suburban, rural, and natural landscapes in Oregon. 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. By following a few simple steps, we can all work together to keep people, pets, and coyotes safe.
“We hear from Portlanders all the time who are surprised to see coyotes in their neighborhoods,” said Lindsey Sanders, ODFW Assistant District Wildlife Biologist. “The good news is that there are plenty of simple steps people can take to avoid problems. Once people understand more about coyote behavior, they often feel a lot more confident—and even curious—about sharing space with them.”
Follow these tips:
- Remove food sources. Never intentionally or accidentally feed a coyote.
- Don’t approach a coyote – scare away bold coyotes.
- Keep your pets safe (either supervised, on a leash, or inside).
- Share these tips with your community!
Learn more about living with coyotes from ODFW and the Portland Urban Coyote Project.
Coyote-palooza is made possible thanks to the support of many organizations.
Organized by: Bird Alliance of Oregon, Bird Conservation Oregon, Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, Humane World for Animals, Institute for Natural Resources, Portland Urban Coyote Project, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Willamette Riverkeeper
In partnership with: Cascadia Wild, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Ecology in Classrooms and Outdoors, Oregon Zoo, People of Color Outdoors, Oregon Metro, Portland Parks & Recreation, US Fish & Wildlife Service
Supported by: Alpha Media, Humane World for Animals, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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