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As coyotes capture the
interest of Los Angeles County residents, the
Agricultural Commissioner stresses the importance
of “keeping wild
animals wild.” By taking some simple steps
around their homes, residents will help keep
wild animals such as coyotes from becoming dependent
on human beings. |
- Never leave small children unattended in areas
where coyotes are known to be, even in your yard.
- Keep small pets indoors. Some coyotes hunt cats
in residential areas. Keep pet food indoors, or promptly
remove dishes when pets complete their meal outside.
- Clear brush and dense weeds from around your
property. This deprives rodents of shelter, and reduces
cover for coyotes who search for rodents for food.
- Maintain trash cans with secure lids that will
not open if tipped over by large animals. Do not leave
filled plastic trash bags out at night. Try to avoid
putting out your trash the night before pick-up. Put
trash out in the morning to prevent coyotes from scavenging
during the evening.
- Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles;
put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents
and other coyote prey.
- Do not feed or provide water for coyotes or other
wild life. It is against the law to feed coyotes. (County
Code: Section 10.84.010)
If you have taken precautions and are still experiencing
coyote problems, contact your city offices, or, if you’re
in an unincorporated community within Los Angeles County,
contact the Agricultural Commissioner at (626) 575-5462.
Most coyotes avoid people rather than approach people.
The Agricultural Commissioner responds to situations involving aggressive coyotes
who pose a potential threat to humans. If a coyote
or other wild animal is threatening or attacking a human,
immediately call 9-1-1.
We appreciate the efforts of area residents to maintain
their own property so as to not attract wildlife or encourage
wildlife to depend on hand-outs from humans. This protects
humans and domestic animals. It is important for the ecosystem
to keep coyotes wild, rather than encouraging them to be
dependent on humans.
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