HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 17-7724-Approving Coyote Management PlanRESOLUTION NO. 17-7724
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE CITY OF DOWNEY COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, City residents have expressed concern over purported, apparent, or
observed increase in the numbers of coyotes, sightings of coyotes, aggressive behavior of
coyotes, and a general fear of harm to life and property caused by coyotes; and
WHEREAS, due to the varied interests of persons and organizations regarding actions
that can be taken in the management of coyotes, a written management plan is desirable to
ensure that the varied interests are evaluated and considered when seeking to address conflicts
with coyotes.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
The Coyote Management Plan attached to this Resolution as Attachment A is hereby
approved.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 13`h day of June, 201.7-
FERNAi4bd VASQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
jv"x,a.JaOJV- tf�,4,�
A A ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of
the City of Downey at a regular meeting held on the 13`h day of June, 2017 by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES:
Council Members:
Pacheco, Rodriguez, Saab, Ashton, Mayor Vasquez
NOES:
Council Member:
None.
ABSENT:
Council Member:
None.
ABSTAIN:
Council Member:
None.
�-
MAMA ALICIA DUART ,- CMC
Deputy City Clerk
CityofDowney
City of Downey I 11111 Brookshire Avenue I Downey, California 90241
Phone: 562.904.7284 1 Fax: 562.923.6388 1 www.downeyca.org
INTRODUCTION
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BACKGROUND
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DiOiCULTIES MANAGING - WILDLIFE
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WHAT ROLES DO COYOTES PLAY IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
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HOW DO HUMANS PERCEIVE COYOTES?
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COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
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COYOTE ATTRACTANTS IN URBAN AREAS
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HAZING AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
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FOUNDATION OF I
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GOALS OF HAZING
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GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
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TRAINING PROGRAM
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--PUBtIE HAZING -T -RAINING __ _ r -
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ENFORCEMENT
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RESPONSE PLAN
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THREAT LEVEL TIERED RESPONSE
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INCIDENT DEFINED
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APPENDIX A - DEFINITIONS ON ENCOUNTERS WITH COYOTES t6
APPENDIX B - COYOTE BEHAVIOR, BEHAVif3R CLASSIFICATION AND
RECOMMENDED RESPONSE 1s
APPENDIX C - OVERVIEW OF HAZING 19
APPENDIX D - COYOTE YARD AUDIT CHECKLIST 20
The intent of this plan is to provide guidance for dealing with coyotes in Downey. Guidelines and
provisions of this plan do not supersede federal, state and county regulations and policies.
Furthermore, the provisions of this plan do not apply to Downey residents, businesses or homeowner
associations in pursuit of their legal rights in dealing with coyotes.
Recently, the City, along with other municipalities in Southern California, began to experience an
increase in the amount of coyote encounters. These encounters included numerous attacks on pets by
coyotes that were on and off leash, aggressive behavior displayed by coyotes, and an upsurge in
sightings in areas populated by people (particularly during the day). The encounters have caused a
general sense of fear by Downey residents and a desire to manage the increased coyote activity in
neighborhoods.
Historically, coyotes have existed in and around Downey, finding safe haven in areas in and around Rio
Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers which provide locales where coyotes can safely build dens and
reproduce. It is also believed that the prolonged drought has limited potential food sources for the
coyotes and thus drawn the coyotes to residential neighborhoods in search of food and water.
Coyotes are opportunistic, versatile carnivores that primarily eat small mammals, such as rabbits,
ground squirrels, and mice, to name a few. Coyotes tend to prefer fresh meat, but will eat significant
amounts of fruits and vegetables during the autumn and winter months when their prey is scarce. Part
of the coyote's success as a species is its dietary adaptability. This dietary elasticity, coupled with a
lack of prey and closer proximity to residents, has led the coyotes to seek alternative food sources,
including small pets, pet food, and fallen fruits and vegetables found in the backyards of homes.
Generally, coyotes are reclusive animals who avoid human contact. However, with the urbanization of
coyotes they have realized there are few real threats in suburban environments. This has resulted in
coyotes approaching people and even feeling safe visiting yards when people are present.
In response to the rise of more aggressive coyote activity in neighborhoods, City staff researched
response from surrounding communities, reviewed existing Coyote Management Plans, analyzed
various available studies, and researched coyote ecology to better understand and to create an
appropriate plan for Downey.
This Plan enables the City to manage the amplified presence of coyotes with an emphasis on
education, hazing, and lastly employing lethal means of removal only when the safety of the public is at
stake.
The Plan is guided by the following principles:
1. Human safety is a priority in managing human -coyote interactions.
2. Coyotes serve an important role in ecosystems by helping control the population of rodents.
3. Preventive practices such as reduction and removal of food attractants, habitat modification
and responding appropriately when interacting with wildlife are key to minimizing potential
interaction with coyotes.
4. Solutions for coyote conflicts must address both problematic coyote behaviors (such as
aggression towards people and attacks o. � pets) and the problematic human behaviors
(intentionally or unintentionally feeding coyotes and letting pets outside unattended) that
contribute to conflicts.
5. Non-selective coyote removal programs are ineffective for reducing coyote population sizes
or preventing human -coyote conflicts.
6. A community -wide program that involves residents is necessary for achieving coexistence
among people, coyotes and pets.
The suggested actions in the Plan are designed to increase citizens' knowledge and understanding of
how coyotes behave and make clear how such behavior can be managed to reduce or eliminate
conflicts with coyotes. The Plan requires active participation on the part of the entire community
including residents, homeowner associations, volunteers, and City staff.
The City of Downey does not own or have any control of wild animals found within its boundaries, nor is
the City responsible for the actions or damage caused by them. These animals are a common and
important integral part of our ecosystem.
Difficulties Managing Wildlife
Althni inh Downev nlaces a hinh wnh a nn its wilrilifa come species adapted to urban eenVirnnmentg
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have the potential for problems and/or conflicts in specific situations. In addressing problems, Downey
promotes policies supporting prevention and implementation of remedial measures that do not harm the
wildlife or their habitats.
A wildlife problem is defined as any situation that causes a health or safety issue to its residents. In
cases where problems with wildlife are associated with human behavior (leaving garbage exposed or
intentional wildlife feeding), ordinances and enforcement may be enacted to minimize conflict.
In some cases, particular or traditional management tools are ineffective. For example, relocation of
animals is not ecologically sound and is not allowed in California without permission from the -California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Generally, relocated animals do not survive the transfer. If
they do, they rarely stay in the relocation area and tend to disperse to other locations where they may
cause problems, be involved in territory disputes or introduce disease. In some instances, the
dispersed wildlife, especially coyotes, will go to great lengths to return to its previous territory or
adversely affect residents. For these reasons, the CDFW rarely allows relocation of wildlife.
As a last resort, lethal control measures, when employed, are controversial and non-selective; it is
extremely difficult to ensure that problem -causing coyote(s) will be the ones located and killed. Since
firearms are usually unsafe to use in urban and suburban areas, traps are generally the method used.
Most traps are notoriously indiscriminate, capturing almost any animal that triggers them, Sometimes
called "trash" animals by trappers, non -target species that have been found in traps include threatened
and endangered species, raptors, domestic dogs and cats. These animals can sustain the same
injuries as target species. Even if released, they may perish later from internal injuries or reduced ability
to hunt or forage for food. If they are used, traps must be humane and in compliance with federal and
state laws.
It is not economically, ecologically or in other ways efficient to attempt to remove all coyotes from the
urban ecosystem. Attempts made by local, state and federal agencies as well as private organizations
over the past century to eradicate coyotes have proven to be ineffective. Moreover, during the past
century coyotes have expanded their territories to include every state except Hawaii.
What Role do Coyotes Play in the Environment?
Coyotes play an important role in the urban ecosystem. They are predators of geese, eggs, squirrels,
mice, rabbits, rats, gophers and other small animals. Rodents make up a majority of their diet.
How do Humans Perceive Coyotes?
People respond to coyotes in various ways. Some observe them with enjoyment, others with
indifference and some with fear or concern. Personal experiences with coyotes may influence their
perceptions. Experiences range from animal sightings without incident to stalking, killing of pets or, at
the extreme, an attack on a person.
Because wild animals conjure up fear, actual sightings and perceptions may become exaggerated or
misconstrued (see Appendix A for coyote description encounters). The wide range in perceptions of
urban coyotes from Downey residents supports the need for strong and consistent educational
messages to clarify management techniques.
Have Coyote Numbers Increased in Downey?
Without tracking and updated inventories, it is difficult to know if the number of coyotes has increased in
an area. What is known is that coyotes can become habituated if they are intentionally or
unintentionally fed, which can 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. In
general, coyotes regularly roam an area of about 2-5 square miles or whatever it takes to get enough
food for the pack members. Normally, each pack is a territorial family group that varies in number 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.
A coyote pack usually has one breeding (or alpha) female. This female produces more pups than are
ultimately wanted in the pack. Young coyotes may leave the pack at about 9-11 months of age but
dispersal patterns are highly variable. These coyotes become transients. Other types of transients
include older individuals 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 group to join. They often die before they succeed (many are hit by cars). It
is largely because of these transients, that coyote eradication programs are unsuccessful.
Removing a group of territorial coyotes will create an undefended area into which the transient coyotes
will flow. At all times of the year, numbers of transients are immediately available to replenish any voids
created by killing the resident coyotes. Further, if either the alpha male or alpha female in a pack is
killed, the resulting effect may result in ovulation in other breeding -age females in the pack and an
increase in the number of litters as well as the number of pups per litter.
Monitoring and Collecting Data
Monitoring and data collection are critical components of an effective coyote management plan. This is
best accomplished with input from both residents and the City of Downey. The City of Downey records
and tracks coyote sightings or incidents (See Appendix A for definitions). Coyote sightings/ incidents
can be reported by calling 562.299.6625 or using the available online reporting form at
htt :/Idowne is.or /Co oteSi htin sS/Co oteSi htin s/Add-Co oteSi htin s.as x
The purpose of monitoring human -coyote interactions is to document where coyotes are frequently
seen and to identify human -coyote conflict hotspots. Gathering specific data on incidents will allow for
targeting of educational campaigns and conflict mitigation efforts, as well as the ability to measure
success in reducing conflicts over time.
Management Strategy
The City of Downey's strategy for managing coyotes is based on balancing respect and protection for
wildlife and their habitats without compromising public safety. The main strategy is comprised of a
three -pronged approach consisting of public education designed around co -existence with coyotes,
enforcement of laws and regulations prohibiting the feeding of wildlife and ensuring public safety by
implementing appropriate tiered responses to coyote and human interactions. This plan requires active
participation on the part of the entire community including residents, homeowners associations,
volunteers and City of Downey.
Education
Education is the key to having residents make appropriate decisions regarding their safety or managing
their property and pets. Education will involve written materials in flyers. The goal of education is to
decrease attractants, increase pet safety, and reshape coyote behavior through hazing and creating
reasonable expectations of normal coyote behavior.
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 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 a habituated coyote(s) resulting
in increases in coyote and human interactions. California law prohibits feeding wildlife. City of Downey
will strictly enforce the State law(s) pertaining to this activity.
Response Plan
A detailed tiered response plan has been developed to provide a mechanism for identifying and
classifying different levels of human and coyote interactions. Definitions of coyote encounters is listed in
Appendix A and Appendix B provides a chart detailing coyote behavior, behavior classification and
recommended responses.
While human attacks are very rare, urban landscape development, habituation through intentional and
unintentional feeding, pet related incidents and media attention have led some urban residents to fear
coyotes. It is important to note that attacks on 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 appropriate responses to potential
threats to human safety. It's important to keep in mind that coyotes have been in and around Downey
(and other parts of Southern California), for a very long time.
Coyotes are drawn to urban and suburban areas for the following reasons:
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:
a) Never hand -feed or otherwise deliberately feed a coyote.
b) 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.
c) Never compost any meat or dairy (unless the compost is fully secured).
d) Maintain good housekeeping, such as regularly raking areas around bird feeders, to help
discourage coyote activity near residences.
e) Remove fallen fruit from the ground.
f) Keep trash in high-quality containers with tight -fitting lids. Only place the cans curbside
the morning of collection. If you leave out overnight, trash cans are more likely to be
tipped over and broken into.
g) Bag especially attractive food wastes 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, pet water dishes, etc., 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.
3. Access to Shelter — Parks, greenbelts, open spaces, golf courses, buildings, sheds, decks and
crawl spaces, etc., 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 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. Approximately the same size
as a groundhog or rabbit, free -roaming outdoor pets, especially cats and sometimes small dogs,
may attract coyotes into neighborhoods.
a) The best way to minimize risk to pets from coyotes (and the other dangers of outdoor life
such as cars, disease, dogs 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).
b) 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 unattended, small dogs are normal
coyote behavior and do not indicate a danger for people.
c) 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 – People who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might prey on the
cats. These concerns are well founded, as coyotes can be attracted to the outdoor pet food.
Although there is no sure way to protect feral cats from coyotes, the following tips can be
helpful:
a) Feed cats only during the day and at a set time—and pick up any leftovers
immediately.
b) Provide escape routes for cats.
C) Haze coyotes seen on the property (see Appendix C). 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, by ensuring that they are
confined in sturdy cages each evening.
Residents are encouraged to use the Yard Audit Checklist (Appendix D) as a tool to help recognize
and remove attractants in their yards and neighborhoods_
Some coyotes have become too comfortable in the close proximity of people. To safely coexist, 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, 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.
Foundation of Hazing
a) It is not economically, ecologically or in other ways efficient to try and eradicate coyotes from
the urban ecosystem.
b) 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
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) To model hazing behavior and share accurate information about coyotes among other
residents, friends and family.
d) Monitor hazing by volunteers to assess its effectiveness and determine if further action or more
aggressive hazing is needed.
e) Develop long-term community based hazing programs.
General Considerations
Levels of hazing need to be appropriately relevant to coyote activity.
a) Coyotes live in open spaces and the best practice is to leave them alone and educate
the public on personal safety.
b) Coyotes are often out late at night when few people are present. This is normal
acceptable behavior. Hazing may not be necessary.
c) Exceptions: In early stages of hazing, programs should still engage animal. Coyotes that
associate danger in the presence of people under all circumstances will be reinforced to
avoid contact.
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 animals. Usually
there is a dominant animal in a group who will respond - others will follow its lead. DO NOT
ignore, turn your back or avoid hazing because there are multiple animals instead of a single
individual.
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 remove themselves
from the situation, then immediately contact the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority at
562.803.3301.
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 coexistei ce.
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 information, and
overview of hazing, 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
a) Pet owners need to protect pets. Off -leash and unattended dogs and unattended outside cats
attract coyotes (as well as pet food).
b) Residents need to Team hazing -effectiveness and techniques. A hazing program must be
instituted and maintained on a regular basis.
c) Hazing needs to be active for a sustained period of time to achieve the desired change for the
highest possible long-term success.
d) Hazing requires monitoring to assess its effectiveness and to determine if further action or more
aggressive hazing is needed.
Public blazing Training
Hazing requires by necessity 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 shall be based on data accumulated from public on coyote
activity in specific neighborhoods, parks or open space or proactively when requested by
neighborhood community or volunteer groups.
2. Trainings are free to the public.
3. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:
a) basic coyote information
b) discussion on why coyotes are in the City
c) normal and abnormal coyote behavior
d) seasonal behavior changes -breeding season, pups, Benning behavior
e) reality of dangers towards people vs. danger towards pets
f) children and coyotes
g) how human behavior influences coyote behavior
h) attractants
i) tips on deterring animals from entering private property
j) appropriate response when encountering a coyote
k) what is hazing, goals, how to engage
1) appropriate hazing techniques and tools
m) pet safety tips
4. Updates, additional coyote information, electronic flyers and handouts distributed to
participants. Information is encouraged to be passed on to others.
5. Participants shall 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 shall email detailed accounts of encounters and hazing (Hazing interaction reports,
to volunteer hazers for evaluation of program, progress, successful tools and techniques being
used, techniques and tools needed.
a) Date, location, time of day, number of coyotes
b) Initial coyote behavior, hazing behavior, coyote response
c) Effectiveness ratings
d) Tools and techniques used
e) Additional details/comments
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 a habituated coyote(s) resulting
in increases in coyote and human interactions. California law prohibits feeding wildlife. City of Downey
will strictly enforce the State law(s) pertaining to this activity.
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 14
§251.1. Harassment of Animals.
Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish & Game Code, no person
shall harass, herd or drive any game or 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
§10.84.010. Providing Food for Certain Rodents or Predator Animals Prohibited.
A. Except as otherwise provided for herein, no person shall feed or in any manner provide food
to a nondcmesticated rodent or a nondomesticated mammalian predator.
B. For purposes of this chapter:
1. "Rodent" includes ground squirrels;
2. "Mammalian predators" includes coyote, raccoon, fox and opossum.
A detailed tiered response plan has been developed to provide a mechanism for identifying and
classifying different levels of human and coyote interactions. Definitions of coyote encounters are
provided in Appendix A and Appendix B, detailing coyote behavior, behavior classification and
recommended responses.
If a human is attacked and physically injured by a coyote, the Downey Police Department will work with
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which will be the lead investigating agency, to thoroughly
investigate the incident, identify and lethally remove the responsible coyote(s). Lethal removal will also
be considered as a last resort if there is a public safety issue (such as a coyote(s) threatening people or
resting in an area frequented by people, such as a yard, park, playground, school, etc.) only after a
thorough investigation and identification of the offending coyote(s). Since coyotes are considered "non -
game wildlife" any resident or Homeowner's Association Board of Directors can initiate, at their own
expense, -action -to protect -them selves and -their -private -property from coyote attacks.
Threat Level Tiered Response
Level A coyote is seen or heard in an area. Sighting
Green: may be during the day or night. Coyote may be
seen moving through the area.
Level A coyote appears to frequently associate with
Yellow: humans or human related food sources, and
exhibits little wariness of human presence.
Coyote is seen during the day resting or
continuously moving through an area frequented
by people.
Level A coyote is involved in an incident(s) where
Orange: there is an attended domestic animal loss.
Several level orange incidents in the same
general area may indicate the presence of a
habituated coyote(s).
Level A coyote that has-been involved in an
Red: investigated and documented provoked or
unprovoked close encounter or attack on
humans.
Education and hazing needed
Education and aggressive hazing needed,
volunteer hazing team created.
Education and aggressive hazing needed,
volunteer hazing team created, and public
awareness of incident(s) and circumstances
discussed. If multiple level orange incidents have
occurred in the same vicinity within a short amount
of time, lethal removal may be recommended.
Downey staff may work to lethally remove the
responsible coyote(s) after a thorough
investigation of the incident(s).
An incident is described as a conflict between a human and a coyote where the coyote exhibits the
following behavior: coyote approaches a human and growls, bares teeth, or lunges; injures or kills an
escorted/on-leash pet. This includes attended pet loss, but not human injury. When human injury
occurs, it is defined as an "attack." The California Department of Fish and Game will investigate the
incident if a human is physically injured.
Circumstances Determine the Response
If an attack is unprovoked indicating a continued threat to human safety, City of Downey will determine
a course of action, potentially including a permit for trapping. City of Downey will not engage in any
attempts of general culling. Only specific animals will be targeted.
In a provoked attack, City of Downey will determine if circumstances indicate a continued threat to
human safety. City of Downey will determine initial response which may range from targeted education
up to lethal removal of the involved animal.
Continued response will depend on specific details of the attack. The level of threat to human safety will
determine if continued action is needed. Continued activity may include increased educational materials
such as flyers, mailers or press releases, public meetings, and/or potentially applying for a trapping
permit.
If leg hold traps or snares are determined to be necessary, City of Downey will coordinate with the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife on location, duration and details of trapping attempts.
Trapping will not extend beyond one month. While the use of live traps is legal, they are proven to be
ineffective at capturing a targeted coyote and generally will not be considered. Leg hold traps or snares
will be used only as a last resort.
If a coyote is lethally removed, City of Downey will evaluate and determine what educational measures
and hazing techniques need to be modified in order to decrease any reoccurrence.
Definitions of Encounters with Coyotes
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.
An unprovoked -.attack or incident -where the -human involved -does not_encour-age
the coyote to engage.
Pet Attack:
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. Unattended animal loss or injury is normal behavior for a coyote.
Suspected Pet Attack: A coyote is an opportunistic feeder and may feed on animals, especially cats
that were previously killed by cars or other means. The remains may be found and indicate that the
animal was attacked by a coyote. In cases where the City of Downey responds to these calls, without
knowledge of an actual attack, the incident will be recorded as a suspected attack.
Encounter: An unexpected, direct meeting between a human and a coyote that is without incident.
Feeding:
Intentional_ feeding -A resident or business actively and intentionally feeds coyotes including
intentionally providing food for animals in the coyote food chain.
Unintentional feeding - A resident or business is unintentionally providing access to food.
Examples such as accessible compost, fallen fruit from trees, left open sheds and doors, pet
food left outdoors, among others.
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, 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.
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.
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
Observation: The act of noticing or taking note of tracks, scat or vocalizations.
Sighting: A visual observation of a coyote(s). A sighting may occur at any time of the day or night.
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 scattered trash is outside the
receptacle.
Coyote Behavior, Behavior Classification
and Recommended Response
Coyote Action
Classification
Response
Coyote heard
Observation
provide educational materials and info on normal coyote behavior
pevpet on leash
Level Green
i
Coyote seen moving
Sighting
Provide education materials and info on normal coyote behavior
in area
Level Green
Encounter
Coyote seen resting in
Sighting
Educate on hazing techniques, what to do tips
area
Level Green
Coyote seen resting in
Sighting
If area frequented by people, educate on normal behavior and haze to
area with people
Level Yellow
encourage animal to leave. Look for and eliminate attractants.
present
Educate on 'hazing tec.hniqurs and what to do tips and pet safety
approaching a person
Coyote entering a
Sighting
Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, provide hazing info
yard without pets
Level Yellow
Coyote entering a
Encounter
Educate on audit, hazing infc, Net safety
PI yard with pets
Level Yellow
on coyote attractants, yardMeicihborhood audits, hazing, pet safety.
Cvyate entarTrig`yrard
Incfddnt
Develop hazing tearn. in area, ,gather info on specific i ,,
and injuring or killing
Level Grarsge
report on circumstances, educate on coyote attraclants, yard and I
pet wdo^ people
{ neighborhood audits, pet sa`ety
I.- —
Coyote biting or
Incident
Gather info an s.peciric animals involved, rL%port rir-,umstance-s, educate on
Injuring unattended
f Level Orange
� coyote attractants; yardlneighborhood audits, hazing, pet safety
pevpet on leash
i
1 longer than 6'
i
Coyote following or
Encounter
Y�
Educate on hazing techmques and what to do tips
approaching a Immon
Level Orange
who pet f5talking)
A(: 'or `—,
ayote following
Encounter
Educate on 'hazing tec.hniqurs and what to do tips and pet safety
approaching a person
Level Orange
v
Coyote enG:ring yard
Encounter
Gather info on specific animals involved, document circumstances, educate
or home with people
Laurel Orange
on coyote attractants, yardMeicihborhood audits, hazing, pet safety.
pets, no injury
{
Overview of Hazing
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.
Hazing is a process whereby individuals and volunteers respond in like manner to make a coyote
uncomfortable and choose to leave a situation where their presence is unwanted.
Basic hazing consists of standing your ground, never ignoring or turning your back to a coyote(s),
yelling and making unpleasant and frightening noises until the animal(s) choose to leave.
More aggressive hazing consists of approaching an animal quickly and aggressively, throwing
projectiles, spraying with a hose or water gun, or creating fear of contact so the animal leaves the
situation. For more options see Appendix C on hazing.
Hazing must continue once_ it begins until the animal leaves, otherwise, the coyote will learn to
"wait" until the person gives up. Not following through with hazing will create an animal more resistant
to hazing instead of reinforcing the image that "people are scary."
Hazing should never injure_ the animal. An injured animal becomes less predictable versus a normal,
healthy one who responds in a consistent and predictable manner to hazing.
Hazing should be conducted in a manner that allows the coyote to return to its normal habitat in
a direction that would minimize harm to the animal. Hazing the animal in the direction of other houses
and busy streets should be avoided.
Hazing uses a variety of different hazing tools. This is critical as coyotes get used to individual items
and sounds.
Noisemaker: Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, "shaker" cans, pots, pie pans
Projectiles: sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls, rubber balls
Deterrents: hoses, spray bottles with vinegar, pepper spray, bear repellant, walking sticks
A common concern with hazing involves potential danger to the hazer. A coyote's basic nature is very
skittish and the nature of the species is what makes this technique successful. A normal, healthy coyote
will not escalate a situation with an aggressive person. Hazing is NOT successful with every species of
wild animal because different types of animals have different traits.
Coyote Yard Audit Checklist
homeownerOK
FIX
WAYS TO MITIGATE
FOOD
NEVER hand -feed or intentionally feed a coyote!
Pet Food
;
Never feed pets outdoors; store all pet food
securely indoors.
Water Sources
Remove water attractants (such as pet water
bowls) in dry climates.
Bird feeders
Remove bird feeders or clean fallen seed to
reduce the presence of small mammals that
coyotes prefer to eat.
Fallen Fruit
Clean up fallen fruit around trees.
Compost
Do not include meat or dairy among compost
contents unless fully enclosed. I
BBQ Grills
Clean up food around barbeque grills after each i
use.
Trasb
Secure all trash containers with locking lids and
place curbside the morning of trash pickup.
_
Periodically clean cans to reduce residual odors.
LANDSCAPING
Trim_ vegetation -to reduce hiding places and
potential denning sites.
Restrict access under decks and sheds, around
Structures/
Outbuildings
woodpiles, or any other structure that can provide
cover or denning sites for coyotes or their prey.
' *FENCING
Enclose property with 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 underground 6
inches or is fitted with a mesh apron to deter
coyotes from digging underneath. *Must comply
with Downey Municipal Codes
PETS
Never leave pets unattended outside.
Never allow pets to "play" with coyotes.
Fully enclose outdoor pet kennels.
Walk pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet in
I length.
We encourage you to take steps to eliminate attractants on your property in order to minimize conflicts
with coyotes. We also urge you to share this information with friends and neighbors because minimizing
conflicts is most effective when the entire neighborhood works together.