Tips for dealing with coyotes in Leisure World

URBAN WILDLIFE

by Emma DiMaggio

Communications Manager

Coyotes, once native to America’s western deserts and prairies, have established themselves as part of urban life in Southern California.

Drawn by abundant food and water sources, lack of predators and ample places for shelter, coyotes have made themselves quite comfortable in urban and suburban areas, including Leisure World.

Regardless of one’s feelings toward them, coyotes are here to stay. That’s why it’s essential for anyone living within their territory to understand how to reduce encounters and how to respond to coyotes when they do appear. Here are a few things to consider: 1. Take note of the season.

Though coyotes are active year-round, their activity varies throughout the year, influenced by mating season, breeding and territorial establishment. People who familiarize themselves with coyotes’ patterns can better prepare themselves for interactions with these wild animals.

Coyotes are more active during breeding season from January-March. During breeding season, coyotes may explore and occupy larger areas in search of food, water and new home ranges during the breeding season, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Coyotes may also act more aggressively in July-September when their pups are born. During this season, individuals or animals who unknowingly get too close to a den may be seen as a threat, leading to defensive attacks by a coyote.

2. Don’t feed wildlife, and report those who do.

Feeding wildlife is illegal in California. Section 251.1 of the California Fish and Game Code states that feeding a wild animal can be considered animal harassment, and individuals caught may face substantial fines.

In addition to being illegal, feeding wildlife also plays a role in increasing coyotes’ food supply. Coyotes are omnivores and opportunists, according to the USDA, and will feed on rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles, insects, feces, livestock, poultry, fruits, berries and other plants and animals.

Urban coyotes may also feed on human garbage, pets, domestic pet food, garden food and birdseed. Coyote densities are generally higher when these food sources are abundant.

Residents should remove bird feeders, bowls of pet food, fallen fruit and garbage from any location where a coyote might access it, including open patios.

The GRF and Mutuals dictate limitations on wildlife interactions in Leisure World. Policy prohibits residents from the following:

• Feeding nondomesticated animals on Mutual property.

• Leaving pet food and standing water sources on patios, in carport areas and in gardens.

• Leaving trash and garbage, whether contained or not, outside of the unit at any time.

• Installing bird feeders with bird seed of any type at the unit or anywhere on Mutual property, including from trees or hanging from other support devices.

3. Never let pets wander without a leash.

Residents should never let their pets wander without a leash.

Cats should always be kept indoors, and dogs should remain on a 6-foot leash whenever they are outside.

Coyotes are generally nocturnal, so pet owners should be especially vigilant at night.

4. If a coyote gets close, practice hazing.

Though coyotes are adaptable and comfortable in urban environments, they can be scared off with hazing techniques.

• Make yourself as large as possible. Stand up straight and wave your arms over your head.

• Make loud noises. Scream, yell, whistle, or use a noisemaking device like a shaker can full of marbles or pennies.

• Be forceful and direct your voice at the coyote.

• Throw rocks, sticks, or anything you can pick up.

• Take steps toward the coyote. Be aggressive.

• Always look directly at the coyote. Never turn your back to it or run away.

• When walking, carry an item like a stick, golf club, water gun or air horn.

There are many ways to haze a coyote. All of them serve the same purpose: to instill a fear of humans. People should vary their hazing methods to ensure that coyotes don’t become accustomed to one technique.

5. Understand that options for eradication are limited.

It is illegal to relocate coyotes in the State of California. Trapped coyotes must be euthanized.

The Golden Rain Foundation successfully captured and euthanized coyotes in years past, but the snare traps used then were banned by the State of California. Attempts to capture coyotes in early 2024 using baited cage traps were unsuccessful, and the program was discontinued.

6. Report sightings to Security and the City of Seal Beach.

In June of this year, the City of Seal Beach launched a portal where people can report coyote sightings.

Anyone who sees a coyote should report the sighting online at https://www.sealbeachca.gov/ City-Services/Animal-Control.

Sightings can also be reported to GRF Security at 562-594-4754.

All coyote sightings and coyote-related incidents are reported in the monthly Security report published in the LW Weekly.

Coyotes aren't picky. They'll gladly eat rabbits, birds, reptiles, insects, feces, livestock, poultry, fruits, berries, garbage, pets, pet food, garden food and birdseed.