HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3a - The City of Arcadia Coyote Management Plan
Adoption of the City of Arcadia Coyote Management Plan
June 20, 2017
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DATE: June 20, 2017
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dominic Lazzaretto, City Manager
By: Michael Bruckner, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT: THE CITY OF ARCADIA COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Recommendation: Adopt
SUMMARY
Concerns regarding high numbers of coyotes in residential neighborhoods continues to
be pervasive in Arcadia and surrounding foothill communities. Previous efforts at coyote
abatement have yielded little results at controlling the coyote population in Arcadia.
Emerging trends in the field of coyote management suggest that public outreach and
coyote hazing have proven to be more effective at deterring coyotes from residential
neighborhoods than a trapping program. Coyote Management Plans are increasingly
seen as effective at communicating expectations and providing resources to help
discourage coyotes from residential neighborhoods.
The intent of the City of Arcadia’s Coyote Management Plan (“Management Plan”) is to
provide guidance to the community and City staff in response to frequent human/coyote
interactions in Arcadia. These guidelines adhere to federal, state, and county
regulations in regards to coyote management. Provisions of this plan maintain the legal
rights of Arcadia residents, businesses, and/or homeowner’s associations in protecting
private property relative to coyote management practices. The Management Plan is
based on research and best practices that include a full spectrum of tools to effectively
respond to coyotes in an urban area. Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council
adopt the City of Arcadia Coyote Management Plan.
BACKGROUND
At the December 6, 2016, City Council Meeting, Council Member Chandler requested
that the City Manager provide a discussion item at an upcoming City Council meeting to
review and discuss coyote abatement. This request was concurred by Council Member
Beck and Council Member Tay.
Adoption of the City of Arcadia Coyote Management Plan
June 20, 2017
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At the February 7, 2017, City Council Meeting, staff provided a report to the City Council
regarding options available and the City Council approved a supplemental budget
appropriation in amount of $20,000 for coyote trapping services and community
education efforts. On February 21, 2017, the City Council approved a Professional
Services Agreement with Animal Pest Management Services, Inc. for coyote trapping
services in an amount not to exceed $15,000.
On March 2, 2017, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (“PETA”) and City of
Arcadia resident Sarah Rosenberg filed a Verified Petition for Writ of Mandate against
the City in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The lawsuit challenges the City’s
February 21, 2017, approval of the Agreement on grounds the City failed to comply with
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Pub. Resources Code, §§ 21000, et
seq.). In addition, by letter dated March 8, 2017, legal counsel for PETA alleged that the
City violated the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code §§ 54950, et seq.) by
appropriating funds in part for the trapping and killing of coyotes at the February 7,
2017, City Council Meeting without first providing adequate notice to the public of its
intention to take such specific action at the meeting.
On April 4, 2017, the City Council rescinded the actions taken February 7, 2017, and
February 21, 2017, and directed the City Manager to develop a Coyote Management
Plan within 90 days (i.e., prior to July 4, 2017). The Draft Management Plan was posted
on the City’s website on May 24, 2017, along with a press release announcing the
Management Plan’s availability for public comment. The release was published in
several local newspapers, social media, and online outlets. A public comment period
was held from May 24, 2017, to June 11, 2017. Residents were encouraged to submit
their feedback through the MyPD Mobile App, Twitter, email, or the newly-established
coyote hotline. The City Manager’s Office received no feedback from the public through
any of these outlets. The Pasadena Humane Society held a seminar on co-existing with
wildlife on May 21, 2017 and partnered with the City on a Coyote Town Hall meeting,
which was held on June 7, 2017 to solicit feedback from the community regarding the
Plan. There were approximately 35 community members in attendance.
The City Manager’s Office began tracking coyote complaints in February 2017. To date,
the office has received 27 calls or emails regarding coyotes in Arcadia neighborhoods
from residents. Over 50% of the calls are from South Arcadia with the others more
equally distributed throughout the City. This information is summarized in the tables
below:
Reporting Tool # of Reports Month # of Reports
Coyote Hotline 10 February 1
My PD Mobile App 0 March 6
Coyote Email 0 April 5
Twitter 0 May 7
General City Contact 17 June (13 days only) 8
Total Coyote Reports 27 Total Coyote Reports 27
Adoption of the City of Arcadia Coyote Management Plan
June 20, 2017
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DISCUSSION
The goal of the Coyote Management Plan is to discourage the habituation of coyotes in
an urban environment by using education, behavior modification, and development of a
tiered response to aggressive coyote behavior. The recommended actions in the
Management Plan are designed to increase knowledge and understanding of how
coyotes behave and to make clear how such behavior can be managed or reduced to
eliminate human conflicts with coyotes. The ultimate goal of coyote behavior
modification is to encourage the natural relocation of coyotes to their native
environment.
The strategy for managing coyotes is based on balancing respect and protection of
wildlife without compromising public safety. The main strategy is a multi-focused
approach consisting of:
Education
Enforcement
Safety Response Plan
Education
Coyote awareness education is critical for residents to make informed decisions
regarding their safety, and that of their property and pets, by decreasing attractants,
reshaping coyote behavior, and creating reasonable expectations of normal coyote
behavior. Dissemination of information to residents, businesses, and schools will be
accomplished through the use of the City of Arcadia website, City Newsletter, Hot
Sheet, social media, press releases, community forums, community partnerships
(Pasadena Humane Society, Parent/Teacher Associations, & Arcadia Association of
Realtors), and other direct and indirect public outreach campaigns. Learning how to
respond to a coyote encounter empowers residents and supports reshaping undesired
coyote behavior. The public should understand what normal coyote behavior is when
living in close proximity with coyotes. For example, vocalization (coyote calls) is normal,
acceptable behavior and does not indicate aggression.
Further, the City of Arcadia is partnering with the Pasadena Humane Society to teach
hazing techniques that will re-instill fear into coyotes in order to begin changing the
coyote/human relationship. The Pasadena Humane Society will also provide yard audits
on request for Arcadia residents whereby a wildlife specialist will review residential
properties and provide recommendations for deterrents.
Enforcement
The act of feeding wildlife is known to lead to an increase in wildlife activity. Feeding
can attract coyotes and their prey to an area leading to an increased likelihood of
creating habituated coyotes and resulting in increases in coyote/human interactions.
California law prohibits feeding wildlife, including coyotes. The Arcadia Police
Adoption of the City of Arcadia Coyote Management Plan
June 20, 2017
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Department and its Animal Control services provider—Pasadena Humane Society—will
strictly enforce state laws pertaining to this activity.
In addition, the City of Arcadia’s recently adopted Unoccupied Residence Ordinance will
also serve as a valuable tool to address resident concerns regarding coyote dens on
unoccupied properties. The Unoccupied Resident Registration Program is currently
underway and, to date, 15 homes have been registered.
Safety Response Plan
A detailed, tiered Safety Response Plan has been developed to provide a mechanism
for identifying and classifying different levels of human/coyote interactions. The Safety
Response Plan serves as a guide for residents and the City of Arcadia to respond to
reports of coyote interactions in order of magnitude. The Safety Response Plan has four
tiers, each signifying an escalation in coyote behavior and a commensurate response.
In Levels 1 through 3, the preferred response is education and outreach at varying
degrees of intensity. Level 4 responses may require use of force to remove problem
coyotes from Arcadia neighborhoods. This may include forcibly removing coyote dens,
shooting coyotes with non-lethal devices (e.g., pellet guns) to increase hazing efforts, or
even trapping. If lethal force is necessary, the City’s preferred approach will be to
contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for their services. It is also
important to note that the coyotes are considered “non-game wildlife” and any resident
or Homeowners’ Association can initiate, at their own expense, action to protect
themselves and their private property from coyote attacks.
With the adoption of the City of Arcadia Coyote Management Plan, the City and
community will have a useful tool to better manage the issue of coyotes. The approach
in the Management Plan is consistent with the City’s desire to maintain the unique
balance of homes and wildlife that draw people to our community, in addition to
providing a framework for the City’s response to particularly aggressive coyotes.
Through continued education and outreach, enforcement of existing ordinances, and a
comprehensive approach to safety, the Management Plan will provide clear guidelines
on acceptable coyote behavior, along with a public safety response should a coyote’s
behavior deviate outside of the norm.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund for adopting the Coyote Management Plan. An
appropriation of $20,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2017-18 budget for continued
coyote awareness, education, and outreach efforts. These funds would be utilized to
implement the Management Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the City of Arcadia Coyote Management
Plan.
Adoption of the City of Arcadia Coyote Management Plan
June 20, 2017
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Attachment: Coyote Management Plan
City of
Coyote
Arcadia
Management Plan
June 2017
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Background .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Guiding Principles ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Coyotes 101 ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Identifying Coyotes ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Coyote Family Structure ................................................................................................................................. 7
Coyote Dens ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Ecosystems and Coyotes ................................................................................................................................. 8
The Human Element........................................................................................................................................ 8
Number of Coyotes in Arcadia ....................................................................................................................... 9
Coyote Management Plan Goal ........................................................................................................................ 10
Education ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Enforcement .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Safety Response Plan ............................................................................................................................... 1011
Education – Discouraging Coyotes in Arcadia ................................................................................................. 11
Hazing and Behavior Change ........................................................................................................................ 13
Foundation of Hazing .................................................................................................................................... 14
Goals of Hazing .............................................................................................................................................. 14
General Considerations................................................................................................................................. 14
Training Program ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Public Hazing Training ................................................................................................................................... 16
Enforcement ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Safety Response Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Coyote Reporting ............................................................................................................................................... 21
Sick/Injured Coyotes ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Coyote Bites ................................................................................................................................................... 21
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MyPD Mobile App ......................................................................................................................................... 21
City of Arcadia Website............................................................................................................................ 2221
Coyote Hotline – (626) 574-5463 ................................................................................................................. 22
Email Us – coyotes@arcadiaca.gov.............................................................................................................. 22
Requesting Information .................................................................................................................................... 22
Appendix A: Yard Audit Checklist ..................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix B: Definition of Coyote Encounters ................................................................................................. 24
Appendix C: Coyote Deterrent Devices ............................................................................................................ 26
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Introduction
The intent of the City of Arcadia’s Coyote Management Plan (“Management Plan”) is to provide
guidance to the community and City staff in response to frequent human/coyote interactions in Arcadia.
These guidelines adhere to federal, state, and county regulations in regards to coyote management.
Provisions of this plan maintain the legal rights of Arcadia residents, businesses, and/or homeowner’s
associations in protecting private property relative to coyote management practices. The Management
Plan is based on research and best practices that include a full spectrum of tools to effectively respond
to coyotes in an urban area.
Background
Concerns regarding high numbers of coyotes in residential neighborhoods continue to be pervasive in
Arcadia and surrounding foothill communities. Previous efforts at coyote abatement have yielded little
results at controlling the coyote population.
Coyotes are wild animals and their behavior, by many accounts, is becoming bolder as they become
more accustomed to living near humans. The likelihood of these animals coming out of the adjacent
open space and into the City will always exist. This is particularly true because in addition to lushly
landscaped homes and parks, Arcadia is bordered by the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel
Mountains where coyotes have a natural habitat. Issues of drought and significant fires within the
Angeles National Forest have also been contributing factors to the recent rise in coyote concerns.
Coyotes are opportunistic predators and clever scavengers. They primarily eat small mammals, including
rabbits, ground squirrels, and mice. Their diet also includes birds, snakes, lizards, deer, and some
livestock. The coyote will also prey on birds that nest on the ground, including peacocks. They will eat
fruits and vegetables during the fall and winter months when their natural prey is scarcer.
The coyote is a versatile animal, capable of easily adapting to its environment. As a result, the urban
coyote will often eat human garbage, pet food, road kill, and domestic pets, including cats and dogs. As
is more commonly the case in urbanized environments, coyotes have been known to actively hunt cats
and small dogs, and are able to leap fences as high as 8 feet to prey on domestic animals. Less
frequently, bolder packs of coyotes have been known to shadow joggers and even approach humans
while walking their pets on a leash. While extremely unusual, coyotes have been known to attack
humans, but this typically occurs when a human is trying to rescue a pet from an imminent coyote
attack. Rarely does a coyote engage and attack a human directly.
Even more uncommon are fatalities from a coyote attack, of which only two have been recorded in
North America. One occurred in 1981 in Glendale, California where a coyote attacked a toddler. The
second attack occurred in 2009 in Nova Scotia, Canada where a pair of coyotes attacked a hiker. As a
comparison, according to DogsBite.org, a non-profit organization that tracks dog bite fatalities in the
United States, in 2015, 34 dog bite fatalities were recorded. Over an 11-year period from 2005 to 2015,
360 victims suffered death due to dog bite injury.
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A study by the School of Environmental and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University entitled
“Coyote Attacks on Humans in the United States and Canada” found that the vast majority of coyote
attacks occur in California and are likely attributable to our moderate climate and close proximity to
urban-wildland interfaces. The data further suggests that many incidents are the result of accidental
feeding by humans, stating:
“Studies of coyote ecology in metropolitan
areas have reported a preference by coyotes
for natural or forested areas over urban or
otherwise disturbed areas and a shift to
nocturnal activity in urbanized areas of high
human use. This nocturnal behavior of coyotes
has been attributed to an effort to avoid
confrontations with people. The large number
of attacks occurring within daytime hours
suggests that in some cases the offending
coyotes were no longer avoiding humans, and
may become habituated to human activity,
likely due to intentional or accidental wildlife
1
feeding.”
According to the research, human-related food constituted as much as 25% of a coyote’s diet in
Southern California whereas in Chicago, for example, human-related food was found in less than 2% of
scats analyzed. The data suggests that it is the availability of food sources that is the main factor driving
human/coyote interactions.
In response to the rise of more aggressive coyote activity in neighborhoods, City staff researched
responses from surrounding communities, reviewed existing Coyote Management Plans, sought input
from our local partners including the Pasadena Humane Society, and analyzed the Coyote Guidelines
from the Humane Society of the United States, to develop a comprehensive approach for the City of
Arcadia. To that end, the City’s approach will place an emphasis on education, hazing, and will consider
employing lethal means of removal when the safety of the public is at risk as determined by the
guidelines listed in this document.
Guiding Principles
The Coyote Management Plan is guided by the following principles:
Human safety is the number one priority in managing human-coyote interactions.
Domestic pet safety is also principally important.
1
School of Environmental and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University
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Coyotes serve an important role in our local ecosystem by helping to control the rodent
population.
Preventative measures such as reduction and removal of food attractants, habitat modification,
and responding appropriately when interacting with wildlife are key factors to minimizing
potential interactions with coyotes.
Solutions for coyote conflicts must address both problematic coyote behaviors (such as
aggression towards people and attacks on pets) and problematic human behaviors (such as
intentionally or unintentionally feeding coyotes) that contribute to conflicts.
Non-selective coyote removal programs are ineffective for reducing coyote population sizes or
preventing human-coyote conflicts and may actually increase the populations.
A community-wide program that involves residents is necessary for achieving coexistence
among people, coyotes, and pets.
The recommended actions in the Management Plan are designed to increase residents’ knowledge and
understanding of how coyotes behave and make clear how such behavior be managed to reduce or
eliminate conflicts with coyotes. The Management Plan requires ACTIVE participation on the part of the
entire community which includes residents, homeowner associations, neighborhood volunteers,
community partners (Pasadena Humane Society, etc.) and the City of Arcadia.
Coyotes 101
Coyotes are native to California and several other western states. Due to their intelligence, adaptability,
the decline in larger predatory animals, and urban sprawl, coyotes have successfully expanded their
range. As a result, coyotes are now found in all states except Hawaii and have established themselves in
every urban ecosystem across North America, including large metropolitan areas like Los Angeles,
Chicago, and New York. In short, coyotes are not just an Arcadia issue, but are found in neighborhoods
and communities throughout the United States.
Identifying Coyotes
On the upper parts of their body, coyote pelts vary from gray-brown to
yellow-gray. Their backs have tawny-colored fur and long overcoats
with black-tipped guard hairs. The latter forms a dorsal stripe and dark
band over their shoulders. Throat and bellies tend to be buff or white.
Forelegs, sides of the head, muzzle, and feet are reddish brown.
Coyotes have long legs, small paws, large pointed ears, and a pointed
snout. Weighing between 15 to 40 pounds, their long legs and thick fur
make them appear larger than they actually are.
Coyote Family Structure
Coyotes may live alone, in pairs, or in family groups with one breeding
pair, generally mating once a year, usually December through
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February. Social organization and group size are highly correlated with food availability. The rest of the
group is comprised of multiple generations of offspring. Pups are born March through May. The entire
group protects the pups although pup mortality rate averages between 50% and 70% in the first year.
Litter size depends on available resources and the number of coyotes in the area. More available food
resources, shelter, and unoccupied territories tend to result in larger litter sizes. The converse is also
true.
Although a litter varies from 2 to 12 pups, the average is 6 or 7. Pups remain in the den for the first six
weeks and then travel with adults. By the end of summer they are more independent but may still travel
with parents and siblings. This is what is often seen and described as “packs” of coyotes; however, this is
only indicative of the den’s hierarchy and social structure and does not necessarily lend itself to a small
or large coyote population in the surrounding area. Because coyotes are socially organized, the group
raises the young and defends their territory from other coyotes. Territories do not overlap and although
coyotes generally live in groups, they often travel alone or in pairs.
In urban areas, most coyotes live in large parks, golf courses, greenways, and natural open spaces where
food and shelter are abundant. Thus, their territory may follow the park or open space boundaries,
which are often along urban-wildland interfaces. Coyotes are extremely adaptive at creating territories
under a wide range of urban conditions.
Coyote Dens
Coyote dens are holes dug out in the ground or along the side of a hill. It can be a few feet in length or
up to about 50 feet. Coyotes often use ready-made “den-like” holes in an existing area, like a cave or
other enclosed space surrounded by trees or brush. They will also take over dens that were left by other
burrowing animals such as foxes or badgers.
As stated, coyotes are opportunistic animals and will use any hidden hole or cave like structure to
protect their young from fleas and vermin. Coyotes will often use sticks and other natural covers to hide
the entrances to their dens, allowing just enough space for them to move in and out with food they
have hunted for their young.
Ecosystems and Coyotes
Coyotes play an important role in the urban environment. They are predators of geese, peacocks,
squirrels, mice, rabbits, gophers, opossums, and other small animals. Rodents make up a majority of
their diet. Areas with resident coyotes often report a decrease in the rodent population.
The Human Element
People respond to coyotes in various ways. Some observe them with enjoyment, others with
indifference, and some with fear and concern. Personal experiences with coyotes may influence their
perceptions. Experiences range from animal sightings without incident to stalking, killing of pets, or, at
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the extreme, a violent interaction. Because wild animals can evoke fear, actual sightings and perceptions
may become exaggerated or misconstrued.
Number of Coyotes in Arcadia
It is very expensive and difficult to track coyotes given their relatively short life span and migratory
habits. A single coyote covering a relatively large territory may be seen three or four different times in a
24 hour period giving the impression that there are large numbers of coyotes. What is known is that
coyotes can become habituated if they are intentionally or unintentionally fed, which lead to bolder
behavior when coyotes lose their fear of people.
Coyotes, like all predators, will stabilize their populations if they are not constantly exploited. Coyotes
regularly roam an area of about 3 to 6 square miles. Normally, each pack is a territorial family group that
varies in numbers from 3 to 10 individuals. A portion of the area the pack inhabits is the pack’s territory,
which they defend from other coyotes. The number of mature coyotes in the pack is linked to the
amount of food resources in the territory. The pack system keeps coyotes from getting too numerous
because the packs defend the area they need to survive. Young coyotes may leave the pack at 9 to 11
months of age but dispersal patterns are highly variable. These coyotes become transients. Other types
of transients include older coyotes that can no longer defend their role as upper level pack members
and leave the pack. Transients move all over in narrow undefended zones that exist between pack
territories searching for an open habitat to occupy or a group to join. Transient coyotes often expire
before they succeed. It is largely because of these transients that indiscriminate coyote culling programs
are unsuccessful.
According to the Humane Society of United States, coyote culling programs are ineffective at reducing
the coyote population and in fact may actually help increase their reproductive rate. Coyotes removed
from an area will quickly be replaced by others. Coyote pairs hold territories, which leaves transient
coyotes constantly looking for new places to call home. If attractants in a neighborhood are not
removed (e.g., pet food, garbage, etc.) new coyotes in an area can quickly become “nuisance” coyotes.
Research suggests that when aggressively controlled, coyotes can increase their reproductive rate by
breeding at an earlier age and having larger litters, with a higher survival rate among young. This allows
coyote populations to quickly bounce back, even when as much as 70 percent of their numbers are
removed.
Further, it is nearly impossible to completely eradicate coyotes from an area. Despite bounties and
large-scale efforts to kill coyotes over the last 100 years, coyotes have expanded their range throughout
the U.S. and Canada tremendously. One study even found that killing 75% of a coyote population every
year for 50 years would still not exterminate the population.
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Coyote Management Plan Goal
The goal of the Coyote Management Plan is to discourage the habituation of coyotes in an urban
environment by using education, behavior modification, and development of a tiered response to
aggressive coyote behavior. The recommended actions in this Management Plan are designed to
increase knowledge and understanding of how coyotes behave and to make clear how such behavior
can be managed or reduced to eliminate human conflicts with coyotes. The ultimate goal of coyote
behavior modification is to encourage the natural relocation of coyotes to their native environment.
The strategy for managing coyotes is based on balancing respect and protection of wildlife without
compromising public safety. The main strategy is a multi-focused approach consisting of:
1. Education
2. Enforcement
3. Safety Response Plan
Education
Coyote awareness education is critical for residents to make informed decisions regarding their safety,
and that of their property and pets, by decreasing attractants, reshaping coyote behavior, and creating
reasonable expectations of normal coyote behavior. Dissemination of information to residents,
businesses, and schools will be accomplished through the use of the City of Arcadia website, City
Newsletter, Hot Sheet, social media, press releases, community forums, community partnerships
(Pasadena Humane Society, Parent/Teacher Associations, & Arcadia Association of Realtors), and other
direct and indirect public outreach campaigns.
Learning how to respond to a coyote encounter empowers residents and supports reshaping undesired
coyote behavior. The public should understand what normal coyote behavior is when living in close
proximity with coyotes. For example, vocalization (coyote calls) is normal, acceptable behavior and does
not indicate aggression.
Enforcement
The act of feeding wildlife is known to lead to an increase in wildlife activity. Feeding can attract coyotes
and their prey to an area leading to an increased likelihood of creating habituated coyotes and resulting
in increases in coyote-human interactions. California law prohibits feeding wildlife, including coyotes.
The Arcadia Police Department and its Animal Control services provider—Pasadena Humane Society—
will strictly enforce state laws pertaining to this activity.
Safety Response Plan
A detailed, tiered Safety Response Matrix Plan has been developed to provide a mechanism for
identifying and classifying different levels of human coyote interactions. The Safety Response Matrix
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Plan serves as a guide for residents and the City of Arcadia to respond to reports of coyote interactions
in order of magnitude.
The tenets of Education, Enforcement, and the Safety Response Plan are more fully described in the
sections that follow.
Education – Discouraging Coyotes in Arcadia
While attacks on humans are very rare, urban landscape development, habituation through intentional
and unintentional feeding, pet related incidents, and media attention have led some residents to fear
coyotes. It is important to note that attacks on free-roaming and unattended small pets are normal
coyote behavior and do not necessarily indicate a danger for people.
Coyotes usually become habituated
when they learn and associate
people and/or neighborhoods with
sources of food. We reinforce this
behavior by not reacting
appropriately when we see a
coyote. Steps must be taken to
address safety concerns and
misconceptions and to ensure
appropriate responses to potential
threats to human safety. It’s
important to keep in mind that
coyotes have been in and around
Arcadia (and other parts of Southern California) since before we settled the area.
Coyotes are drawn to urban and suburban areas for the following reasons:
1. FOOD – Urban areas provide a bounty of natural food choices for coyotes that primarily eat
rodents such as mice and rats. However, coyotes can be further attracted into suburban
neighborhoods by human-associated food such as pet food, unsecured compost or trash, and
fallen fruit in yards. Intentional and unintentional feeding can lead coyotes to associate humans
with sources of food, which can result in negative interactions among coyotes, people, and pets.
To reduce food attractants in urban and suburban areas:
Never hand-feed or otherwise deliberately feed a coyote.
Avoid feeding pets outside. Remove sources of pet food and water. If feeding pets
outside is necessary, remove the bowl and any leftover food promptly.
Never compost any meat or dairy products (unless the compost is fully secured).
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Maintain good housekeeping, such as regularly raking areas around bird feeders, to help
discourage coyote activity near residences.
Remove fallen fruit from the ground.
Keep trash in high-quality containers with tight-fitting lids. Only place the cans curbside
the morning of collection. If left out overnight, trash cans are more likely to be tipped
over and broken into. If necessary, secured trash containers are available for purchase
from Waste Management, the City’s contracted refuse hauler.
Bag especially attractive food waste such as meat scraps or leftover pet food before
discarding.
2. WATER – Urban areas provide a year-round supply of water in the form of storm water
impoundments and channels, artificial lakes, irrigation, swimming pools, and pet water dishes,
which support both coyotes and their prey. In dry conditions, water can be as alluring as food,
so remove water bowls set outside for pets and make watering cans unavailable. Keep the gates
around your pool secured.
3. ACCESS TO SHELTER – Parks, greenbelts, open spaces, sumps, golf courses, buildings, sheds,
decks, and crawl spaces increase the amount and variability of cover for coyotes. They allow
coyotes to safely and easily remain close to people, pets, homes, and businesses without
detection. In the spring, when coyotes give birth and begin to raise their young, they
concentrate their activities around dens or burrows in which their young are sheltered. Coyotes
may take advantage of available spaces under sheds or decks for use as a den, bringing them
into close contact with people and pets.
4. UNATTENDED PETS – Coyotes primarily eat small mammals such as mice and rats, but will also
prey on slightly larger mammals such as rabbits and groundhogs. Animals that are
approximately the same size as a groundhog or rabbit, especially unattended outdoor cats and
small dogs, may attract coyotes into neighborhoods.
The best way to minimize risk to pets from coyotes (and the other dangers of outdoor
life such as cars, disease, and other wildlife) is to keep small pets indoors or only let
them outside in a secure enclosure or when accompanied by a person and under the
control of a leash and harness.
It is important to either keep dogs on a leash six feet long or shorter when outdoors or
to stay within six feet of them when outside. (Coyotes may view a dog on a leash longer
than six feet as an unattended pet.) Attacks on free-roaming small cats or dogs are
normal coyote behavior and do not indicate a danger for people. A free-roaming pet is
considered an unattended domestic pet outside of its enclosed yard or area.
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Although attacks on larger dogs are rare, coyotes will sometimes go after a large dog
when they feel that their territory is threatened. This generally occurs during the coyote
breeding season, which takes place from January through March. During this time, it is
especially important not to let dogs outside unattended and to keep them on leashes
(six feet long or less) when in public areas.
5. FERAL CATS –While people who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might prey on
the cats, feeding feral cats may cause more harm than good as coyotes often frequent these
locations. Although there is no sure way to protect feral cats from coyotes, the following tips
can be helpful:
Do not feed feral cats.
If feral cats frequent your neighborhood, please contact the Pasadena Humane Society.
Haze coyotes seen near feral cat locations. Making them feel uncomfortable will
encourage them to stay out of the area.
Other domestic animals kept outside, such as rabbits, may also be viewed as prey by coyotes. Protect
outdoor animals from coyotes and other predators with protective fencing, ensuring that they are
confined in sturdy cages each evening.
Residents are encouraged to use the Yard Audit Checklist (Appendix A) as a tool to help recognize and
remove attractants in their yards and neighborhoods.
Hazing and Behavior Change
According to the Humane Society of the United States as well as numerous studies from major research
universities, coyote hazing is the most effective deterrent to discourage coyotes from residential
neighborhoods. Some coyotes have become too comfortable in the close proximity of people. To safely
manage coyote/human interactions, it’s important to modify this behavior and attitude in resident
coyote populations. Habituated coyote behavior needs to be reshaped to encourage coyotes to avoid
contact with humans and pets.
Hazing – also known as “fear conditioning” – is the process that facilitates this change and is by necessity
a community response to negative encounters with coyotes. The more often an individual animal is
hazed, the more effective hazing is in changing coyote behavior.
Hazing employs immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage
undesirable behavior or activity. Deterrents include loud noises, spraying water, bright lights, throwing
objects, and shouting. Hazing can help maintain a coyote’s fear of humans and discourage them from
neighborhoods such as backyards and play areas. Hazing does not harm or damage animals, humans, or
property. Behavioral change also involves human activities such as how to identify and remove
attractants and how to responsibly protect pets.
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Foundation of Hazing
1. It is not economically, ecologically, or in other ways efficient to try and eradicate coyotes from
the urban ecosystem.
2. Hazing is one piece of a long-term plan in creating safe and acceptable living situations, increase
understanding, and reduce conflict between coyotes and people.
Goals of Hazing
1. To reshape coyote behavior to avoid human contact in an urban setting. Human behavior can
shape animal behavior, in either a negative or positive manner. People living in close proximity
to coyotes can remove coyote attractants, identify potentially dangerous situations for their
pets and themselves, and respond in a manner designed to change coyote behavior.
2. To provide residents information and tools to actively engage in reshaping coyote behavior and
to support feeling safe in their parks and neighborhoods. This can be accomplished by teaching
residents hazing techniques.
3. To model hazing behavior and
share accurate information about
coyotes among other residents,
friends, and family.
4. Monitor hazing to assess its
effectiveness and determine if
further action or more aggressive
hazing is needed.
5. Develop long-term community
based hazing programs.
General Considerations
1. Levels of hazing need to be appropriately relevant to coyote activity.
Coyotes are best left alone. Ignore them if they are ignoring you. As with any wild
animal, maintaining personal safety should be the first goal.
Coyotes are often out late at night when few people are present. This is normal
acceptable behavior. Hazing may not be necessary.
Exceptions: In early stages of hazing, programs should still engage animals. Coyotes that
associate danger in the presence of people under all circumstances will be reinforced to
avoid contact.
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2. Hazing must be more exaggerated, aggressive, and consistent when first beginning a program of
hazing. As coyotes “learn” appropriate responses to hazing, it will take less effort from hazers.
Early in the process, it is extremely common for coyotes not to respond to hazing techniques.
Without a history of hazing, they do not have the relevant context to respond in the desired
outcome (to leave).
3. Techniques and tools can be used in the same manner for one or multiple coyotes. Usually there
is a dominant coyote in a group who will respond - others will follow its lead. DO NOT ignore,
turn your back, or avoid hazing because there are multiple coyotes instead of a single individual
coyote.
4. The more often an individual coyote is hazed by a variety of tools and techniques and a variety
of people, the more effective hazing will be in changing that animal’s future behavior.
5. Hazing must be directly associated with the person involved in the hazing actions. The coyote
must be aware of where the potential threat is coming from and identify the person.
6. Coyotes can and do recognize individual people and animals in their territories. They can learn
to avoid or harass specific individuals in response to behavior of the person and/or pet.
7. Coyotes can be routine in habit. Identifying their normal habits can help target which habits to
change. For example, the coyote patrols the same bike path at the same time in the morning
three to five days a week. Hazers should concentrate on that time and place to encourage the
animal to adapt its routine to decrease contact with people.
8. Certain levels of hazing must always be maintained so that future generations of coyotes do not
learn or return to unacceptable habits related to habituation to people.
9. Human behavior must change to support hazing and continued identification and, if necessary,
remove possible attractants.
10. Education about exclusion techniques including how to identify and remove attractants,
personal responsibility in pet safety, and having reasonable expectations are critical parts of a
coyote hazing plan.
11. Coyotes are skittish by nature. Habituated behavior is learned and reinforced by human
behavior. Coyotes as a rule DO NOT act aggressively towards aggressive people. The one
exception is a sick or injured animal. Engaging a sick or injured animal can result in
unpredictable behavior. If this is suspected, people should not engage and instead remove
themselves from the situation, then immediately contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626)
574-5151 or the Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151.
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12. Individuals involved in hazing need to be trained in explaining hazing to residents who witness
the process. They also need to explain the difference between hazing and harassment of wildlife
and goals of appropriate behavior for coexistence.
Training Program
Because coexisting with wildlife involves the community, initiating the hazing training programs and
hazing activities by volunteers must be supervised by experts. Without this support, the programs will
ultimately fail. Information should include basic training on background, coyote ecology, overview of
hazing, and examples of techniques. Materials should be provided such as handouts, contact
information, and resources when questions, comments, and concerns come up relating to coyotes.
Volunteers need to learn about coyote behavior and be aware of realistic expectations, understanding
normal versus abnormal coyote behavior and having a consistent response to residents’ concerns and
comments.
Behavioral change and hazing includes the following:
Pet owners need to protect pets. Off-leash, unattended, and free-roaming cats and dogs
attract coyotes (as well as pet food).
Residents need to learn hazing effectiveness and techniques. A hazing program must be
instituted and maintained on a regular basis.
Hazing needs to be active for a sustained period of time to achieve the desired change
for the highest possible long-term success.
Hazing requires monitoring to assess its effectiveness and to determine if further action
or more aggressive hazing is needed.
Public Hazing Training
Hazing requires community involvement, understanding, and support. Residents are best equipped to
respond consistently and at the most opportune times in their own neighborhoods, parks, and open
spaces.
1. Locations of trainings offered should be based on data accumulated from the public on coyote
activity in specific neighborhoods, parks, or open space or proactively when requested by
neighborhood community or volunteer groups.
2. Trainings will be free to the public.
3. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:
Basic coyote information
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Discussion on why coyotes are in the City
Normal and abnormal coyote behavior
Seasonal behavior changes (breeding season, pups, denning behavior)
Reality of dangers towards people vs. danger towards pets
Children and coyotes
How human behavior influences coyote behavior
Attractants
Tips on deterring animals from entering private property
Appropriate responses when encountering a coyote
What is hazing, goals, how to engage
Appropriate hazing techniques and tools
Pet safety tips
4. Updates, additional coyote information, electronic flyers, and handouts will be distributed to
participants. Information should be encouraged to be passed on to others.
5. Participants will be notified of “hot spots” and asked to haze in the area.
6. Ask for feedback on hazing training and use of hazing techniques.
7. Participants will be asked to email detailed accounts of encounters and hazing (Hazing
Interaction Reports) to the City of Arcadia for program evaluation purposes which should
include successful tools and techniques being used, and techniques and tools needed to
effectively haze coyotes. The Hazing Interaction Reports should include the following
information:
Date, location, time of day, number of coyotes
Initial coyote behavior, hazing behavior, coyote response
Effectiveness ratings – i.e. was the method used successful or not
Tools and techniques used
Additional details/comments
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For more information about how to set-up an educational seminar in your neighborhood, please contact
the City Manager’s Office at (626) 574-5401.
Enforcement
The act of feeding wildlife can attract coyotes and their prey to an area, leading to an increased
likelihood of creating habituated coyotes and increased coyote-human interactions. California law
prohibits feeding wildlife, and the Arcadia Police Department, Pasadena Humane Society, and City Code
Enforcement Officers will strictly enforce applicable state statutes pertaining to this activity. The
following are some of the applicable regulations that may be utilized as enforcement tools to discourage
coyotes from proliferating in urbanized Arcadia.
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 14. SECTION 251.1.
HARASSMENT OF ANIMALS
Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, no
person shall harass, herd, or drive any game nongame bird or mammal or furbearing
mammal. For the purposes of this section, harass is defined as an intentional act which
disrupts an animal’s normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to,
breeding, feeding, or sheltering.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE TITLE 10. SECTION 10.84.010.
PROVIDING FOOD FOR CERTAIN RODENTS OR PREDATOR ANIMALS PROHIBITED
Except as otherwise provided herein, no person shall feed or in any manner provide
food to a non-domesticated rodent or non-domesticated mammalian predator.
For the purposes of this chapter:
“Rodent” includes ground squirrels
“Mammalian predators” includes coyote, raccoon, fox, and opossum.
ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE ARTICLE IV PUBLIC WELFARE, MORALS, AND POLICY.
CHAPTER 1. ANIMALS. PART 3. OTHER ANIMALS. DIVISION 7. KEEPING, FEEDING, AND
RUNNING AT LARGE. SECTION 4137. PUBLIC FEEDING PROHIBITED
No person shall feed or make any food or edible thing available to any animal or fowl in,
on, or upon any public street, sidewalk or parkway.
ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE ARTICLE IX DIVISION OF LAND USE. ORDINANCE 2346
ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF
RESPONSIBLE PARTIES FOR UNOCCUPIED RESIDENCES IN THE CITY OF ARCADIA AND
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TO REORGANIZE AND UPDATE THE CITY’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND NUISANCE
ABATEMENT REGULATIONS
It is the purpose and intent of the City of Arcadia, through the establishment of an
unoccupied residence registration program to protect neighborhoods from becoming
blighted by the lack of adequate maintenance and security of unoccupied residences
and to prevent unoccupied residences from becoming substandard properties.
Unoccupied properties shall be maintained so as not to become a refuge for coyotes,
vermin, or other wildlife.
Failure to adhere to the maintenance standards for unoccupied properties shall be a
public nuisance, subject to abatement or summary abatement in accordance with \[City\]
code.
Safety Response Plan
The Safety Response Plan below is intended to serve as a mechanism for identifying and classifying
different levels of human/coyote interactions. The Plan also includes guidelines for resident and City
responses to different levels of coyote/human interactions up to and including the use of force to
lethally remove coyotes from Arcadia neighborhoods. It is important to note the use of force may
include other measures such as forcefully eradicating coyote dens or access denial improvements to
areas where coyotes frequent to deter future interactions. Each interaction warranting the use of force
will be thoroughly investigated to determine the appropriate response. Definitions of coyote
encounters are listed in Appendix B.
If a human is attacked and physically injured by a coyote(s), the Arcadia Police DepartmentCity of
Arcadia will employ all necessary force to remove the offending animal(s) and/or contact the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife for their removal services.
RESPONSE
COYOTE BEHAVIOR RECOMMEDNED ACTION
LEVEL
Provide educational materials and info on normal
Coyote heard 1
coyote behavior.
Coyote seen moving in Provide education materials and info on normal
1
public area coyote behavior.
Coyote seen resting in Educate on hazing techniques, what to do tips.
1
public area
Coyote seen resting in If area frequented by people, educate on normal
public area with humans 2 behavior and haze to encourage coyote to leave.
present Look for and eliminate attractants.
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Coyote entering a yard to a Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, provide
2
home without pets hazing info.
Coyote entering a yard to a Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, hazing
2
home with pets info, pet safety.
Develop hazing team in area, gather info on
Coyote entering a yard and
specific animals involved, report on
injuring or killing attended 3
circumstances, educate on coyote attractants,
or unattended pet
yard and neighborhood audits, and pet safety.
Coyote biting or injuring a Gather info on specific animals involved, report
unattended pet/pet on a 3 circumstances, educate on coyote attractants,
leash longer than 6 feet yard/neighborhood audits, hazing, and pet safety.
Coyote following or Educate on hazing techniques and what to do tips
approaching a person and 3 and pet safety.
pet (Stalking)
Coyote following or Educate on hazing techniques and what to do tips.
approaching a person 4 Use of force may be considered.
without a pet (Stalking)
Gather info on specific animals involved,
Coyote biting or injuring
document circumstances, educate on coyote
attended pet/pet on a 4
attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing, pet
leash 6 feet or less
safety. Use of force may be considered.
Coyote behaving Gather info on specific animals involved, report
aggressively; showing circumstances, educate on coyote attractants,
teeth, back fur raised, yard/neighborhood audits, aggressive hazing, pet
4
lunging, nipping without safety. Use of force will be recommended.
contact and/or with or
without pet present
Identify and gather information on specific animal
involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote
Coyote entering a home; attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing,
4
biting or injuring a human and pet safety. City staff will inform the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife. Use of force will
be recommended.
Since coyotes are considered “non-game wildlife” any resident of Homeowners’ Association can
initiate, at their own expense, action to protect themselves and their private property from coyote
attacks.
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Protecting person and property is of the utmost concern to the City of Arcadia. As such, this plan
includes a list of Coyote Deterrent Devices (Appendix C) that may help discourage coyotes from entering
your property, approaching your pet, or, in extreme cases, initiating contact with a human. Although the
City is suggesting these devices, we are not endorsing any particular device, brand, model, or service.
Further, while these devices market themselves as coyote deterrents, the City does offer any assurance
that any device will deter every coyote in any instance. It is up the individual to decide which device is
appropriate for them.
Coyote Reporting
The City of Arcadia encourages Arcadia residents to report coyote sightings. This will allow the City to
identify potential trouble areas where coyotes are frequently sighted and allow the City to focus
resources where they are needed most.
There are several options to choose from and Arcadia residents are encouraged to use the tool that
works best for them. Please keep in mind that these are only coyote reporting tools. Depending on the
format, you may receive acknowledgement of your submission; however, you will not be contacted by
the City of Arcadia. If you or your pet has been involved in a coyote attack, please dial 9-1-1.
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Sick/Injured Coyotes
If you see a sick or injured coyote, please contact the Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151.
Coyote Bites
If you have been bitten by a coyote and are in distress, please dial 9-1-1. Coyote bites can be extremely
hazardous to your health. PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY. Arcadia first responders are
available to assist you 24/7. A police report will be taken to document the incident.
If the bite is mild in nature, residents are encouraged to report the
incident to the Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151. All animal
bites to people are legally reportable in Los Angeles County except for
rodent and rabbit bites. For more information, please visit the County of
Los Angeles Public Health Department website at
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/biteintro.htm.
MyPD Mobile App
The Arcadia Police Department mobile app (MyPD) has an online
reporting tool for coyote sightings. Residents can download the app from
the Apple or Google Play stores free of charge. After selecting the
Arcadia Police Department as their primary agency, users can send
coyote sightings through the “Submit Tip” function and select Coyote
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Reporting from the Topic menu.
City of Arcadia Website
Please visit www.arcadiaca.gov/coyotes to access the reporting tools available through the website. The
City of Arcadia has partnered with the University of California Cooperative Extension, which is collecting
information on coyote encounters throughout California. You can report a coyote encounter to the UC
Coyote Cacher through the link on the website or by submitting your request at
https://geodata.ucanr.edu/coyoteCacher/form/.
Coyote Hotline – (626) 574-5463
The City of Arcadia has created a coyote hotline to report coyote sightings around the City. When
submitting your sighting, please include the following information in your message: your name, address,
telephone number, approximate time and location of the coyote encounter, and description of the
encounter. This information will be logged for future analysis of coyote sightings in Arcadia. Unless
specifically requested, you will not be contacted by City staff.
Email Us – coyotes@arcadiaca.gov
For your convenience, the City of Arcadia has created an email address for residents to submit
questions, concerns, tips, sightings, or general information related to coyotes in Arcadia neighborhoods.
When submitting your sighting, please include the following information in your message: your name,
address, telephone number, approximate time and location of the coyote encounter, and description of
the encounter. This information will be logged for future analysis of coyote sightings in Arcadia.
Requesting Information
For general information regarding the Coyote Management Plan, please contact the City Manager’s
Office at (626) 574-5401.
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Appendix A: Yard Audit Checklist
OK FIX RECOMMENDED ACTION
NEVER intentionally feed a coyote.
FOOD
Pet Food NEVER feed pets outdoors; store all pet food in secure containers.
Water Remove water attractants (such as fountains) in dry climates.
Remove bird feeders or clean fallen seed to reduce the presence
Bird Feeders
of small mammals that coyotes prefer to eat.
Fallen Fruit Clean up fallen fruit around trees.
Do not include meat or dairy products among compost contents
Compost
unless fully enclosed.
BBQ Grills Clean up food around barbeque grills after each use.
Secure all trash containers with locking lids and place curbside the
Trash &
morning of trash pickup. Periodically clean cans to reduce residual
Rodents
odors. Rid property of rodents (coyotes eat rodents).
Trim vegetation to reduce hiding places and potential denning
LANDSCAPING
sites.
Restrict access under decks and sheds, around woodpiles, or any
STRUCTURES &
other structure that can provide cover or denning sites for
OUTBUILDINGS
coyotes or their prey.
Enclose property with a 6-foot fence (or a 6-foot fence with an
additional extension or roller-top) to deter coyotes. Ensure that
there are no gaps and that the bottom of the fence extends
FENCING
underground six (6) inches or is fitted with a mesh apron to deter
coyotes from digging underneath. *Must comply with Arcadia
Municipal Code(s).
NEVER leave pets unattended outside.
NEVER allow pets to “play” with coyotes.
PETS
Fully enclose outdoor pet kennels.
2
Walk pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length.
Residents are encourage to take steps to eliminate attractants on their property and to share
this information with friends and neighbors, as minimizing conflicts with coyotes in the most
effective when the entire neighborhood and community works together.
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Appendix B: Definition of Coyote Encounters
Active coexistence – Humans and coyotes exist together. Communities decide on community
space, such as open spaces, where coyotes are appropriate and do not haze, feed, or interact
with them in these areas. Humans take an active role in keeping coyotes wild by learning about
coyote ecology and behavior, removing attractants, taking responsibility for pet safety, and
hazing coyotes in neighborhood or community spaces (except for predetermined coyote
appropriate areas).
Attack – A human is injured or killed by a coyote.
Provoked – A human-provoked attack or incident where the human involved encourages
the coyote to engage. Examples include dog off-leash in an on-leash area; dog on leash
longer than 6’ in length, or a human intentionally approaches or feeds the coyote.
Unprovoked – An unprovoked attack or incident where the human involved does not
encourage the coyote to engage.
Encounter – An unexpected, direct meeting between a human and a coyote that is without
incident.
Feeding – A coyote is fed intentionally or unintentionally by humans.
Intentional feeding – A resident or business actively and purposefully feeds coyotes
including deliberately providing food for animals in the coyote food chain.
Unintentional feeding – A resident or business is inadvertently providing access to food.
Examples such as accessible compost, fallen fruit from trees, left open sheds and doors,
and pet food left outdoors.
Unintentional feeding (bird feeders) – A resident or business with bird feeders that may
provide food for coyotes, e.g. birds, bird food, rodents, squirrels. Bird feeders must be
kept high enough from the ground so a coyote is unable to reach the feeding animals.
The area under the bird feeder must be kept clean and free of residual bird food.
Hazing – Training method that employs immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of
an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity. Hazing techniques include loud
noises, spraying water, bright lights, throwing objects, and shouting. Hazing can help maintain a
coyote’s fear of humans and deter them from neighborhood spaces such as backyards and play
spaces. Hazing does not damage animals, humans, or property.
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Observation – The act of noticing or taking note of tracks, scat, or vocalizations.
Pet Attack – A pet is injured or killed by a coyote.
Attended animal loss or injury – When a person is within 6’ of the pet and the pet is on
leash and is attacked and injured by a coyote.
Domestic animal loss or injury – A coyote injures or kills a pet. Also includes
“depredation” - predation on domestic pets. Free-roaming animal loss or injury is
normal behavior for a coyote.
Stalking Incident – A conflict between a human and a coyote where the coyote exhibits the
following behavior: follows a person with or without an attended pet on leash. A human is not
injured.
Sighting – A visual observation of a coyote(s). A sighting may occur at any time of the day or
night.
Threat Incident – A conflict between a human and a coyote where the coyote exhibits the
following behavior: approaches a human and growls, bares teeth, or lunges; injures or kills an
attended domestic animal. A human is not injured.
Unsecured Trash – Trash that is accessible to wildlife (e.g., individual garbage cans, bags, or
uncovered or open dumpsters or trash cans over-flowing or where trash scattered is outside
the receptacle).
Use of Force – This action uses coercion to force aggressive coyotes from Arcadia
neighborhoods. This action may include non-lethal measures such as eradication of coyote
dens or access denial improvements or lethal measures like trapping.
Vocalization – Coyote communications vary and may consist of the following: woof, growl,
howl, bark, yelp, or whine by a single coyote or by groups.
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Appendix C: Coyote Deterrent Devices
1. Coyote Rollers – A coyote roller is a 4-foot, aluminum extruded ribbed roller designed to
prevent animals from getting the foothold they need to climb over a fence.
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https://coyoteroller.com/
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2. Predator Control Lights – A constant flash of light to all animals that hunt or feed at
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night that they have been “discovered” or are being watched.
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3. Eliminator Outdoor Animal Repeller – T he Eliminator Animal Repeller blasts a range of
powerful ultrasonic sounds and flashing LED strobe lights to scare away a wide variety of
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pests. Equipped with an infrared motion sensor, the pest repeller is activated as soon as
a pest animal is detected.
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Synthetic Wolf Urine – Coyotes are natural prey of wolves. Using synthetic wolf urine
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around the perimeter of your yard may help deter coyotes from entering.
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