Third annual Coyote-palooza returns to Portland May 30: a day of discovery and learning
News
Contact
Beth Quillian, beth.s.quillian@odfw.oregon.gov, (503) 804-0841
SALEM, Ore. – Join ODFW and partners for the third 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 30 from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. adjacent to the Portland State University Farmers Market (SW Park/SW Montgomery).
Coyotes are remarkably adaptable and can survive in many different environments, including in cities and our backyards. Coyote-palooza is a family- and pet-friendly event featuring booths where visitors can learn how to identify coyotes, explore coyote biology, take part in activities for all ages, and pick up tips for keeping both pets and people safe.
Attendees can also dive into the cultural significance of coyotes, their role in the ecosystem, and practical ways to coyote‑proof homes and neighborhoods. Stop by for a fun, informative visit and leave with new tools for coexisting with Portland's urban wildlife. Don't forget to grab an event passport—collect stamps from each booth to be entered to win Coyote‑palooza swag or one of the grand prizes, including a new pair of binoculars.
"Three years in, we're excited to see that Coyote-palooza has created a platform for community collaboration and learning," said Zuriel van Belle, Director of the Portland Urban Coyote Project. "People across Portland are curious about the coyotes they see, and Coyote‑palooza offers a unique setting where neighbors can connect, ask questions, and better understand the wildlife around them."
Spread the word!
Visit the Portland Urban Coyote Project website to download an event poster or find the event on Facebook. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors—or post a flyer at your favorite dog park, library, or community center.
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.
"Many Portlanders are surprised to encounter coyotes in their neighborhood," said Lindsey Sanders, ODFW Assistant District Wildlife Biologist. "But avoiding conflict with coyotes is often as simple as changing a few basic habits. Once people get a clearer sense of why coyotes behave the way they do, they usually feel more comfortable—and often more interested—in the wildlife in their neighborhood."
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, Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, Humane World for Animals, Institute for Natural Resources, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Portland Urban Coyote Project
In partnership with: Cascadia Wild, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Ecology in Classrooms and Outdoors, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Metro, Oregon State University, Oregon Zoo, People of Color Outdoors, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks & Recreation, University of Oregon, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Westside Watershed Resource Center
Supported by: Humane World for Animals, Oregon Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District
Event image: Join ODFW and partners for the third annual Coyote-palooza: a day of discovery and learning dedicated to one of nature's most adaptable creatures.
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