|
Coyote Encounter Observation Report
Everyone
enjoys observing wildlife in its natural environment. However, many
well-meaning residents of urban hillside and rural areas have promoted an
unnatural boldness in coyotes by intentionally or unintentionally feeding
them.
Recognize that the coyote is indigenous to
Calabasas. We built our city in the coyote's backyard and the coyote has
adapted to this environment. We should adapt to the presence of the coyote.
There are precautions residents should take to mitigate unwanted
interactions.
Coyote (Canis Latrans)
The coyote weighs 20 to 30 pounds and stands 23 to 26 inches at the
shoulder. In appearance, the coyote looks similar to a tan colored shepherd
type dog with long pointed muzzle, large ears and long legs. The coyote is
an extremely intelligent predator that has adapted to living in close
proximity to humans. Coyotes, whose natural habitat is the Los Angeles
basin, have adjusted to the shrinking habitat by living closer to humans,
sometimes in residential areas, parks, and on the landscaped areas of the
freeway system. Coyotes use the flood control channels, freeways, hillside
erosion gutters, city streets, and sidewalks as convenient means of travel.
They find an abundant source of water from swimming pools, gutters, leaking
hose faucets, and sprinkler heads, bird baths and pet water dishes in
residential areas.
Although the coyote is an excellent hunter, feeding primarily on rats, mice,
ground squirrels, rabbits, insects, carrion and fruit, it will not hesitate
to kill cats, small dogs, poultry, sheep or goats, given the opportunity.
They learn that domestic animals are easier to catch than wild prey and will
prowl neighborhoods in search of unattended domestic animals.
What
You Can Do to Protect Your Family, Pets, Poultry and Livestock?
 Coyotes are capable of scaling fences up to
six feet high. They will also dig under fences. They can be deterred by
solid fence with no visibility to inside, increasing the
height of fencing and facing it outward at a 45 degree angle. Bury the
bottom of the fence at least six to twelve inches
underground to prevent the coyote from digging underneath. A covered
enclosure set up with a pet door will permit your pet to go safely outdoors.
Coyotes are wild animals and should be treated
as such. No attempt should be made to pet or otherwise make contact with
them.
Chicken, rabbits, and other small animals often kept outside should be kept
in well-protected areas and in sturdy cages at night. Cages made of chicken
wire will not keep desperate coyotes or other predators from entering.
Stronger gauge wiring is a necessity in protecting these small animals. City
residents are advised to give special attention to the following do's and
don'ts:
|
Do's
-
Keep your cat or small dog
indoors at night or any other time when a coyote is known to be in the
area
-
Accompany your small dog in a well lighted area at
night for comfort walks
-
Walk your dog on a leash whenever you take it off
of your property
-
Confine poultry and rabbits in covered enclosures
constructed with heavy mesh wire. Coyotes can break through ordinary
chicken wire
-
Keep all outdoor trash can lids securely fastened
to trash containers
-
Pick backyard fruit as soon as it ripens and
keep rotten fruit off the ground
Don'ts
|
Click here to
download the brochure. |
Exclusion Techniques
This is not a quick, short term process.
Relate this to never saying
no to a child.
The first time they hear it they won’t understand or believe it.
Consistency over time is the most effective means.
Here are the steps you can take:
-
 Never ignore, just watch, or turn your back on a
coyote.
- Never allow a coyote between you and a
pet or child. A coyote will not want to get involved with a
person.
- Remove all human sources of food. Keep
trash and compost inaccessible. Pick up fallen fruit in
yards. Clean out under bird feeders.
- Report any sightings of wild animals
feeding from dumpsters. Include time of day and business
name to environmental health by calling 3-1-1.
- Submit a
Coyote Encounter Observation Report to
the City of Calabasas
- Do not let cats run freely in
neighborhoods. Keep small dogs in close proximity when
outside. Keep all pets inside at night (or in a completely
enclosed kennel) when coyotes are most active.
- Maintain fences so coyotes cannot slip
underneath. Add deterrents to the tops of fences that reduce
a coyote’s ability to grab on and pull themselves up and
over. Coyote rollers and wire extensions can discourage
animals attempting to breach fences.
- Install motion activated lights in back
yard. Keep lights on when dogs are outside.
- Visually inspect yard before allowing any
pet outside.
- Communicate with local officials. Report
the following (include the date and location of incident):
Coyote biting or attacking dogs; Coyote killing cat or dog;
Coyote biting a person; Person feeding coyote, either
accidentally or purposefully; Open trash cans and dumpsters
at local businesses.
Remember, as
with many wild animals, the coyote, when left alone, will regulate its own
numbers. If coyotes in a certain area are killed, die, or are relocated, the
remaining members will fill the vacancies, either with larger litters or by
allowing outsiders to
move into the area. Flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered
moth balls, and ammonia-soaked rags strategically placed may deter coyotes
from entering your property. Coyotes and all other predatory mammals are
considered "opportunistic" hunters. It is your responsibility to afford
fundamental protection for all of your domestic and companion animals.
For additional information, please contact Alex Farassati at (818) 224-1600
or via e-mail:
afarassati@cityofcalabasas.com.
Additional Links and Information
|
|
