Press Release dated July 26, 2010
For several years, the City of Los Alamitos has experienced varying levels of coyote activity, which has included sightings as well as some attacks on pets. Coyotes have always been a part of the local environment; however, they generally shy away from populated areas. Sudden increases in sightings or attacks on pets are generally related to a disturbance in their habitat or the presence of new litters of coyote pups. As is true to the coyote population cycle, contacts with these animals are escalating, resulting in an increased number of attacks on pets in Los Alamitos and surrounding areas.
The City of Los Alamitos initiated some mitigation measures in response to the increased presence of coyotes. Among those implemented were public awareness campaigns and trapping. Although the number of formally reported incidents is small, it is generally believed that incidents go unreported. Long Beach Animal Care Service reported that they received some reports of attacks on domesticated dogs and cats in the neighborhoods adjacent to the Joint Forces Training Base. Some residents have reported seeing the same two large coyotes in their neighborhood on numerous occasions. Rossmoor, Seal Beach and Long Beach are experiencing similar coyote problems.
Although public awareness campaigns and other mitigation strategies have been in place for several years, most of these measures have resulted in limited success, primarily due to the accessibility of easy food sources and the coyotes’ ability to compensate population reductions with larger litters. Since the presence of coyotes in particular neighborhoods is generally related to the supply of food in those areas, removing food sources and other “attractants” is key to discouraging their presence. Coyotes are smart scavengers and will eat small animals, pet food, backyard fruit and rotting garbage. Additional tips to discourage coyotes from foraging for food in neighborhoods include securing garbage bins, keeping pets indoors, and installing motion sensor lighting.
Recognizing the need for a more aggressive approach to the problem, city staff contacted an urban wildlife manager to determine the best possible strategy for managing the threats associated with the local coyote population. Wildlife experts suggest that trapping must be considered when the coyotes become a public safety concern. Trapping has proven to be effective in reducing individual animal problems and contributes to reinstating the “fear of humans” in those coyotes living in densely populated areas. Elimination of the entire local coyote population is not feasible; however, the removal of some can result in behavior modification of the remaining animals.
Although the city is implementing trapping, in affected areas, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant in keeping their homes free of coyote attractants. Coyote contacts should be reported by calling Long Beach Animal Care Services (our service provider) at (562) 570-7387 or by visiting www.longbeach.gov/acs.
Prepared by: Cassandra Palmer, Support Services Manager
(562) 431-2255, x410