If you've lived in Bakersfield for any length of time, you've probably heard them at night — the howling and yipping that drifts in from the edges of neighborhoods near the Kern River, the bluffs, or the outskirts of town. Coyotes are a real and growing presence in Kern County, and they pose a genuine threat to outdoor cats and small dogs.
Why Coyotes Are Moving Into Neighborhoods
Urban sprawl pushes coyotes closer to residential areas as their natural habitat shrinks. They're also drawn in by easy food sources — unsecured trash, fallen fruit, rodents, and unfortunately, small pets.
The Real Risk to Cats
Free-roaming and outdoor cats are the most vulnerable. Coyotes are most active at dawn, dusk, and overnight — the same hours cats tend to roam. Attacks happen quickly and silently.
The safest choice for cats in Bakersfield is to keep them indoors or in a secured outdoor enclosure (a "catio").
Tips to Protect Your Pets
- Never leave cats or small dogs outside unsupervised, especially at night
- Bring pet food indoors — outdoor food bowls attract coyotes and other wildlife
- Secure your trash with locking lids
- Walk dogs on a leash and stay on well-lit paths after dark
- Install motion-activated lights around your yard
- Consider a catio — a fully enclosed outdoor structure that lets cats enjoy fresh air safely
If You See a Coyote
Don't run. Make yourself large, make noise, and back away slowly. This is called "hazing" and teaches coyotes to fear humans.
Report aggressive coyote behavior to Kern County Animal Control at (661) 868-7100.
A Note on Community Cats
At Stray Paws Society, our TNR program helps reduce the number of vulnerable unowned cats on the streets of Bakersfield. Fewer strays means fewer easy targets. If you know of a stray cat colony in your area, contact us — we can help.