FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2021
Coyotes In Our Community
|
|
Coyotes in Camarillo are becoming a more common occurrence. We want to share some information about the resources that are available to manage coyotes and what to do if you encounter a coyote.
The City has been in recent communication with the Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) regarding this matter. While coyotes are not a protected species, DFW does not suggest capture and relocation or eradication, because when this is done, the absence of an alpha coyote can worsen the problem by attracting transient coyotes and potentially an increase in pup litters. Instead, both agencies suggest “hazing”, or scaring the animal. Ventura County Animal Services has a Coyote Management Plan. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife has a webpage and brochure that discuss ways to keep coyotes out of your neighborhood. Links to these resources are shared below.
VCAS responds to calls which involve a sick or injured coyote(s). Human attacks are rare, but VCAS encourages you to report, by calling (805) 388-4341, when 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, or call 9-1-1 (human attacks). Ventura County Animal Control Officers do not respond to calls for service for normal coyote behavior, such as sightings.
The City is working with VCAS and DFW to develop opportunities for these agencies to educate the community regarding coyote management plan and effective “hazing” techniques. More information will follow.
The VCAS Coyote Management Plan identifies hazing program in Appendix C, which begins on Page 16 of the Plan. We encourage neighborhoods who are being impacted by coyotes to gather together and discuss this as a combined hazing effort for your neighborhood.
We encourage residents to be vigilant and to use the best practices provided by VCAS and DFW.
|
|
Coyotes are drawn to urban and suburban areas for several reasons. |
|
Food. Coyotes can be attracted into suburban neighborhoods by human-associated food such as pet food, unsecured compost or trash, and fallen fruit in yards. To reduce food attractants, feed pets indoors; or if feeding pets outside, remove the bowl and any leftover food promptly. Maintain good housekeeping, such as regularly raking areas around bird feeders and fruit trees, to help discourage coyote activity near residences.
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. Removing your pet’s outdoor water bowl and making watering cans unavailable can be helpful.
|
|
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 inhabit spaces under sheds or decks for use as a den, bringing them into closer contact with people and pets.
Unattended pets. Pets are a normal part of an urban landscape. Within their territory, coyotes may consider pets as potential prey or potential competitors. Free-roaming pets, especially cats and sometimes dogs, may attract coyotes into neighborhoods. The best way to minimize risk to pets is to not leave them outside unattended and always keep your pet in sight. If you're pet is on a leash, the leash should be shorter than 6 feet.
|
|
Encounters. If you encounter a coyote, maintain eye contact, and do not run or turn your back. Don't attempt to scare the coyote if you think the coyote is sick or injured. Use a variety of hazing methods to deter habitual visits. Wave arms and yell loudly. Use horns, whistles, or other humane repellents such as water guns and pepper spray to frighten predators. Hazing should never harm, it should deter
To better understand what attracts coyotes, take action with pet safety tips, and learn more about hazing and how to react in an encounter with a coyote(s), view the Coyote Management Plan .
VCAS responds only to calls of injured or at-risk wildlife. They are prohibited by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from picking up and/or relocating healthy wildlife.
If you have questions or need further info regarding wildlife near you, please contact (805) 388-4341 or info@vcas.us.
|
|
The City is committed to keeping our community informed!
Check out Engage Camarillo! to learn about Camarillo's Community Engagement platform and share your input through Open City Hall.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
