How to Live Safely with Urban Coyotes

May 24, 2018 9:23 AM
by Alejandro Mendoza

Coyotes in Santa Monica are becoming a more common type of wildlife that have adapted to living within our urban environment. A common misconception is that coyotes are rural animals that migrate from the local mountains into the urban areas of the city in search of food and water. Information we have received from the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources shows that coyotes commonly live in urban neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties. Coyotes are known to create homes under residential homes, decks, unoccupied backyards, golf courses and parks. Notably in Santa Monica, several areas of open space such as large residential properties, golf courses, and country clubs make excellent habitats for coyotes and their young.

During the spring and into early summer, coyote cubs will emerge from their dens along with other members of their pack in search of food. During this time of the year, mother coyotes will teach their young to hunt which may result in additional coyote sightings and an increase in the loss of household pets. Coyote attacks however can occur year round during any time of day or night.

As a result, the Santa Monica Animal Control Unit will increase its effort to “haze” coyotes during this time of the year. The term “haze” refers to the use of air horns, water guns, tennis ball sticks, or simply walking towards the animal and yelling in an attempt to instill fear of humans into the coyote population. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the prevalence of coyotes and their interaction with humans.

Here are a few of the best practices that you can use to prevent coyotes in your neighborhood:

• Keep all domestic cats and small pets indoors at all times, day and night. Beware that coyotes can scale or jump a six foot fence and maybe able to enter your backyard.
• Do not leave any type of pet food outside.
• Remove or cut down all overgrown shrubberies on property. This prevents coyotes from establishing a den on the property.
• If confronted by a coyote, make loud noises and attempt to scare the coyote away. Try using a whistle or air horn, yelling at the coyote, spraying water, etc.
• Never attempt to corner a coyote.
• Cover or close all trash containers with a lid.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cut low hanging branches to avoid coyotes feeding on the fruit.
• Do not under any circumstance approach or feed wild animals.

If you notice a consistent coyote issue or fear they are not afraid of humans, you can contact the Santa Monica Animal Shelter during normal business hours at (310) 458-8595. Normal business hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00am – 5:00pm. For after hour request for service contact the Santa Monica Police Non-Emergency line at (310) 458-8491.

Additional information is also available online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Authored By

Alejandro Mendoza
Public Services Administrator