LOS ALAMITOS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Michael R. McCrary, Chief of Police

3201 Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA  90720  |  Business (562) 431-2255  |  24-Hour Police Service/Dispatch (562) 594-7232  |  EMERGENCY 9-1-1

Coyote Information for Los Alamitos

On September 19, the City of Los Alamitos hosted a Public Information Forum to address community concerns regarding the presence of coyotes. Senior Volunteer Dave Barr, California Department of Fish and Game; Wildlife Biologist Michael Moore, California National Guard; and Staff Environmentalist Troy Hardin, Joint Forces Training Base; presented information and responded to questions about behavioral characteristics and strategies for mitigating the coyote problem.

The speakers unanimously encouraged residents to make their neighborhoods inhospitable for coyotes by eliminating “attractants” such as sources of food, water, and shelter. The coyote issue is not new and can be difficult to mitigate because coyotes are highly adaptable to change. They are, in fact, one of the most adaptable animals in the world. According to the experts, it is neither effective nor affordable for cities to eradicate the problem by exterminating coyotes. As coyotes are eliminated, more coyotes come to fill the void. Coyote populations actually compensate for population reductions. Because they can spread diseases and create an imbalance in the food chain, it is illegal to relocate trapped coyotes. Although coyotes are not protected, it is against the law to discharge a firearm within the City limits so they cannot be hunted.

Coyotes establish their territory based on the supply of food, water and shelter. Food sources include household pets, pet food, rodents, birds, fallen fruit and trash. Water sources include gutters, swimming pools, golf courses, irrigated landscapes, and fountains. By limiting the availability of these in your environment, the coyote will be less attracted to your neighborhood.

When coyotes are seen in the area, the experts recommend harassing them by making loud noises and squirting them with vinegar filled super-soakers or other spray type devices. They suggest teaching children to yell “Go away coyote!” rather than just screaming so that adults will realize when a coyote is present.

Another point that was adamantly expressed by all of the speakers was that coyotes should NEVER be intentionally fed. In addition to creating territorial behavior which can lead to aggression, it habituates coyotes to people. As coyotes lose their fear of people, they become bolder and more likely to approach. While on patrol at night, police officers routinely scare coyotes out of Los Alamitos neighborhoods.

In some communities, citizens have formed Coyote Watch groups which monitor attractants and the occurrence of sightings in their respective neighborhoods. Although the responsibility for Coyote Watch groups lies within the neighborhood, City Code Enforcement and the State Department of Fish and Game can assist with the identification and resolution of violations. As more wildlands are developed, contact between man and coyote is inevitable. Learning to co-exist while making the environment uncomfortable for the coyotes is the best way to reduce the frequency of these encounters. Extermination is not an option.

Online Presentation