At ACS, we always want to be proactive about your personal safety and the safety of all your family members, including your four-legged friends. As urban development and expansion continues to encroach on wildlife habitats, reports of wildlife interactions with humans are on the rise. One of the most common of these potentially dangerous encounters in Los Angeles is with coyotes.
Coyotes in Los Angeles
Coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep rodent populations under control. While they are naturally fearful of humans, and will generally keep their distance, they can experience major changes in behavior, including aggression, when living near populated areas. Urban encroachment has given coyotes greater access to human food and garbage, which is causing previously unseen behavioral changes. They tend to be less cautious and fearful, causing them to take greater risks by exploring neighborhoods. These behavioral changes can lead to property damage, and they can even threaten the safety of humans, pets, and other wildlife. In extreme cases, pets, children, and even adults are at risk of serious injury or even death.
Limiting access to human and pet food, or other attractants can prevent this type of change in behavior from becoming an issue in the first place. Our intention is only to remind the community that we share the space with wildlife and remind everyone to be aware of your surroundings. If you encounter an overtly aggressive coyote, we have listed some tips below. You can also visit the Los Angeles Animal Services website for more tips and safety information.
Tips for Staying Safe While Living with Coyotes in LA
Coyotes are smart adaptable canines that have learned to survive, and they are by nature fearful of humans. Please keep in mind the following safety tips to keep negative encounters with coyotes to a minimum:
- Always keep trash, recycling, and compost in wildlife-resistant containers.
- Do not feed pets outdoors or remove food at night.
- Bring pets inside at night.
- Remove human or pet food, and strongly scented items from yard.
- Clean garbage and recycling bins with bleach or ammonia.
- Remove attractants such as fallen fruit. Keep bird feeders clean and maintained.
- When you are walking your dog in areas known to have coyotes, you can carry a loud whistle of even an umbrella that you can open and close rapidly to scare them away.
According to Los Angeles Animal Services, it is not necessary to call 9-1-1 unless there is an immediate threat to human life or safety. They also do not provide traps or trapping licenses to the public, and trapping or relocation of wildlife is strictly prohibited. Animal Services will only trap or remove a coyote if it is injured. Although aggressive behavior is uncommon, but if it is observed, you can create a coyote sighting report with the Los Angeles County ACWM.
Keep your Family Safe with ACS Security
ACS’ approach to securing your home doesn’t include just alarm systems and patrol vehicles. Keeping our communities safe requires a multi-faceted approach, integrating various security measures to deter, detect, and respond to potential threats. Remember, the goal is not just to protect your property but to create a secure and comfortable environment for your family.