Coyotes are found throughout the Southern California and Los Angeles area, and thrive in the urban environment. They survive because the urban environment, though it poses some risks to coyotes, provides food, water, shelter, and space.

Most people see coyotes in the urban environment walking along trails, streets, or open spaces. Coyote attacks on humans are very rare, as coyotes are as scared of us as we may be scared of them. However, small pets, such as dogs and cats, are at risk of being the prey of coyotes if precautions are not taken. Coyotes have adequate natural food supplies and are capable of surviving in the city without our help. Unfortunately, we sometimes unknowingly make it too easy or comfortable for the coyotes to eat and drink at our homes rather than forage for rodents in the open spaces. Many residents unknowingly create attractants by leaving pet food out or not picking up fallen fruit from fruit trees. The best way to protect people, pets, and coyotes is to discourage coyotes from visiting your property by modifying your behavior and reducing attractants. In Palos Verdes Estates, the Police Department manages animal-related concerns.

Ultimately, if a coyote becomes a significant risk to public safety the Police Department can initiate efforts for trapping based on the Coyote Management Plan.  However, the ideal and preferred practice is that residents and coyotes learn to live symbiotically, as coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem. Residents are encouraged to notify the Police Department to report coyote sightings.

The Police Department is scheduled to hold a Community Meeting to discuss coyotes.  The meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 6:30 pm.  

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81083069473?pwd=YWJlMGFhOGxRQkR2OUErUTh5bFg1UT09

Meeting ID: 810 8306 9473

Passcode: 90274

How to report coyote activity

Peninsula Cities Coyote Sighting and Reporting Portal

Police Smartphone application

Police Department Dispatch 310-378-4211

Emergencies 9-1-1

Coyotes Do’s and Don’ts

1. Never feed coyotes!

2. Coyotes are attracted to areas with rodents, so remove sources of food and rodent hiding places (wood piles, debris, etc.) in your yard and garden.

3. Remove fallen fruit and birdseed.

4. Secure trash with a locking lid, or put your trash out on the morning of trash pickup.

5. Use compost containers that do not attract rodents instead of having compost piles exposed in your yard or on your property.

6. Trim vegetation and remove unnecessary piles of wood and clutter to reduce rodent hiding places, and store necessary items off of the ground.

7. Work with your neighbors to discourage coyotes from your neighborhood.

8. Frighten coyotes away by spraying them with a garden hose, yelling, or banging pots and pans to help them re-learn their healthy and natural fear of humans.

9. Call the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department at 310-378-4211 to report coyote sightings, and dial 9-1- 1 to report those that are behaving aggressively toward humans.

Pets & Coyotes

1. Keep your pets on a short leash, 6’ or shorter, when walking outdoors. Do not use retractable leashes or allow them to walk or run on their own, off-leash.

2. Keep your pets up-to-date on vaccinations.

3. Keep all pet food and treats indoors.

4. Never allow your pets to play with a coyote.

5. Pick up small pets if confronted by a coyote.

6. If a coyote approaches you and your pet, yell, stomp your feet and throw small rocks or sticks at it.

7. Always supervise your pet whenever outside, especially at dawn and dusk.

8. Never leave cats or dogs outside after dark.

9. If you must leave your pet outside, secure it in a fully enclosed kennel.

Facts About Coyotes

1. Coyotes are active year-round, especially during their breeding season from February to March.

2. Coyotes are active throughout the day, but especially at dawn and dusk.

3. Coyotes are highly adaptable and can live and make their dens in parks.

4. Coyotes may see pets as food, competition, or as a threat and can become aggressive.

5. Coyotes keep watch near their dens to keep threats away from their young.

Things to Teach Children

1. Never approach wild animals (alive or dead) or dogs you don’t know.

2. If a coyote approaches, wave your arms, stomp your feet, and tell it loudly to “Go away!”

3. Do not turn your back on coyotes or run away.

4. Call for help. If the animal doesn’t leave, walk out of the area, keeping the animal in your sight.

Adaptation to Humans

Coyotes have adapted to living in cities and neighborhoods because the urban environment supports them. The coyote population may fluctuate, but they typically won’t leave an area once they are established. Coyotes that are trapped are euthanized since they cannot be relocated or released by law.

 Resources Visit the Palos Verdes Estates website (www.pvestates.org) for further resources pertaining to coyotes

• Living with Urban Coyotes

• Home & Yard Checklist for Coyote Attractants

• Coyote Hazing Techniques

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife Brochure: Keep Me Wild

• Peninsula Cities Coyote Sighting and Reporting Portal