Wildlife sightings at Mount Pisgah Arboretum, a park located within the greater Howard Buford Recreation Area, are common. In 2026, sightings of coyotes have been more common than usual. Frequency of coyote sightings in the park has increased dramatically in the first three months of the year, with more than 30 sightings reported in January alone. Lane County Parks compared coyote sighting locations from 2015 to 2025 with reports made in 2026 and found stark differences in behavior.
Rather than sightings taking place on less-populated trails and coyotes bolting after seeing a human, coyotes have been reported following people and dogs. Coyotes weren’t scared away by people attempting to chase them off, and also have been approaching vehicles in a way that suggests they are begging for food. They have been observed taking food that is not properly disposed in garbage cans.
Christopher Yee, a district wildlife biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, initially recommended posting signs informing park visitors about the increased sightings and what to do if they are approached. Once the signs were posted, chatter started on social media about coyotes approaching people and being seen in parking lots…