There have been a number of recent coyotes sightings between the Long Beach Airport and El Dorado Park in Long Beach, and on the west bluff trail in Signal Hill.
Coyotes have killed several cats in Long Beach. Animal Control urges residents to take measures to minimize interactions with the local wildlife community, including coyotes.
Known area habitats that support coyotes are the San Gabriel River, particularly near El Dorado Park, the Los Cerritos Wetlands, the Los Angeles River and the Virginia Country Club area, around the Long Beach Airport and open spaces in Signal Hill.
In Long Beach, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the lead agency in monitoring and controlling coyotes that have become a threat. Long Beach Animal Control and the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department park rangers work closely with DFG officials.
Contact with coyotes is always a possibility because they are part of the natural habitat of California. An educated and informed community can reduce negative interactions.
The coyote is a member of the dog family and closely resembles a small German shepherd. They are very adaptable and can survive on whatever food they find. In the wild, coyotes hunt rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals as well as feeding on some seeds, fruit and vegetables. In urban areas, they also feed on pet food and garbage.
Problems begin to occur when people begin feeding coyotes either deliberately or inadvertently. Coyotes can quickly lose their natural fear of humans and become bold, even aggressive. According to the DFG, pets are often attacked, injured or killed by coyotes, and in a few tragic cases, small children have also been attacked.
“One key to reducing contact with coyotes is to ensure that coyotes remain fearful of humans,” said Ken Smirl, a DFG patrol lieutenant.
To reduce the risks of contact with coyotes, practice these few safety guidelines and encourage neighbors to do the same:
• Never feed a coyote–If you live near any of the known coyote habitats, feed pets indoors and remove outdoor dishes when pets are finished with their meal. Store bags of pet food indoors. Prevent coyotes from getting into and eating garbage by using trash cans with lids that clamp shut, not plastic bags that can be ripped open.
• Protect children–Never leave small children unattended near coyote habitats, even in your own yard.
• Clear brush and weeds–Coyotes and other predators may be attracted to areas that provide protective cover. Remove hiding places by keeping brush and weeds around the building clear.
• Protect pets–If you walk your dog in or near any of the known coyote habitats, keep your dog on a leash at all times as required by municipal codes. If possible, avoid walking dogs in the early morning or at dusk, which are prime feeding times for coyotes. If you live near any of the coyote habitats, keep small pets indoors, especially cats–they are easily favored prey. Do not feed feral cats.
• Use negative reinforcement–If you see coyotes, make loud noises, throw rocks at them or spray them with water. It is essential that coyotes retain their natural fear of humans.
Animal Control advises residents to report coyote attacks, threats and aggressive behavior immediately. If at the El Dorado East Regional Park or Nature Center, contact a park ranger at (562) 570-1765. For all other areas of Long Beach, contact Animal Control at (562) 570-7387.
In Signal Hill, residents are urged to call the Community Services Department at (562) 989-7330 or Long Beach Animal Control.
