Coyote Do's And Don'ts
According to naturalists, there are now more coyotes living in Los Angeles County than ever before. Highly adaptable, they forage through rubbish and in trash cans, and sneak into yards to feast on pet food. Ironically, scientists say coyotes could help control rat and mice populations that now face few other predators. But they're often sated by unintentional human hand-outs. A bowl of dog food on the patio is so much more convenient than hunting down a rodent.The LA County Agriculture Commissioner's web site has compiled a list of things to do, and to eschew, when it comes to coyotes. Here's a sampling:
- DO feed pets indoors or promptly remove dishes when pets complete their meal outside. Store bags of pet food indoors.
DO clear brush and dense weeds from around property. This deprives rodents of shelter and reduces protective cover for coyotes. Use traps and rodenticides, if needed, to control rodents.
DO use trash barrels equipped with tight clamping devices on the lids, which will prevent spills should they be tipped over by large animals.
DO try to educate your friends and neighbors about the problems associated with feeding coyotes. If you belong to a homeowner's association or neighborhood watch, bring up the subject during one of the meetings.
DON'T feed or provide water for coyotes or other wild life. This practice abnormally attracts coyotes and promotes increased numbers of rodents, birds, snakes, and other creatures that can provide major portions of the coyote's natural diet.
It is against the law for residents of Los Angeles County to feed coyotes, and certain other wild mammals.(County Code: Section 10.84.010)
DON'T put trash cans out the night before scheduled pick-up. Put them out in the morning. This will give coyotes less time to scavenge, and they won't have the cover of darkness. Coyotes are mainly active at night or twilight.
DON'T use plastic bags as garbage containers. Coyotes can readily rip them open and scatter the contents.
Always remember: Be kind to coyotes, don't feed them!
And if you do have a problem with coyotes or other wild animals, you can get help and information from the county's Dept of Animal Control.