CD12 Hosts Coyote Town Hall
Posted by Councilmember Englander on August 21, 2015 at 12:00 PM
On Tuesday, August 18, our office hosted the Second Annual Wildlife Town Hall with Wildlife Officer Hoang Dinh at Mason Park. Officer Dinh discussed the wildlife program, tips to avoid encounters with wildlife, and the types of wildlife living in Los Angeles. Thank you to those who attended and special thank you to Officer Dinh for coming out. Below you will find tips for coyote-proofing your home and discouraging wildlife:
What should I do if a coyote approaches me?
Wave your arms. Shout in a low, loud tone. Throw objects at the coyote while maintaining eye contact. Make yourself look as big as possible. If you are wearing a jacket, take it off & swing around over your head. If possible go towards active or populated areas but do not turn your back & run from the coyote as that could trigger a chase.
How can I keep my dog safe?
Closely supervise your dog. Do not leave small dogs unattended in your yard. Walk your dog on a leash at all times & stay close to high pedestrian traffic areas. Try not to establish a regular routine & route to avoid setting up a pattern for the coyote to detect. Avoid dense bushy areas or paths near abandoned properties. If you notice a coyote when walking your dog, keep your dog as close to you as possible & move towards an active area. Never encourage or allow your dog to interact or “play” with coyotes.
How can I keep my cat safe?
Keep your cat indoors at all times. If your cat must be outside, consider constructing an outdoor 6 sided enclosure that is made of heavy gauge wire or chain-link with an enclosed access way to the house.
Click here for more wildlife tips. If you have further questions about the Wildlife Program or would like to report a wildlife sighting, please call (323) 225-9453 to leave a message for the officers. You can also contact my Field Deputy, Jonathan Coto at jonathan.coto@lacity.org or (818) 882-1212.
-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District