Coyotes are a common sight in Los Angeles County, with their distinctive howls often heard in the evenings and early mornings. While they are generally shy and avoid humans, it is important to be aware of their presence and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of both humans and pets. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about coyotes in Los Angeles County.
What are Coyotes?
Coyotes are members of the dog family and are found throughout North America. They are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, including urban areas. In Los Angeles County, coyotes are most commonly found in suburban and rural areas, but they have been known to venture into more populated areas in search of food.
What do Coyotes eat?
Coyotes are omnivores and their diet varies depending on the season and what is available in their environment. They primarily eat small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and squirrels, but they will also eat fruits, vegetables, and even garbage. In urban areas, they may also prey on small pets, such as cats and small dogs.
How to coexist with Coyotes?
It is important to remember that coyotes are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect. To coexist with coyotes, it is important to take the following steps:
- Do not feed coyotes or leave food out for them. This can attract them to your property and make them less afraid of humans.
- Keep your pets indoors or on a leash when outside. This will help protect them from coyote attacks.
- Secure your garbage cans and compost bins. Coyotes are attracted to the smells of food and can easily knock over unsecured containers.
- If you encounter a coyote, make loud noises and wave your arms to scare them away. Do not approach or attempt to feed them.
- Consider installing coyote-proof fencing around your property.
When to contact an expert?
If you are experiencing issues with coyotes on your property, it is important to contact a wildlife expert for assistance. They can provide advice on how to deter coyotes and may be able to help with trapping and relocation if necessary.
In conclusion, coyotes are a natural part of the ecosystem in Los Angeles County and can be safely coexisted with if proper precautions are taken. Remember to never feed or approach coyotes, keep your pets secured, and secure your garbage cans. If you experience any issues with coyotes, it is best to consult with a wildlife expert for advice and assistance.
What to do if you see a coyote
It is important to stay calm and follow these guidelines:
- Do not approach the coyote. Give it plenty of space and do not try to interact with it.
- Make yourself appear larger. If the coyote is nearby, stand tall and raise your arms above your head to make yourself look bigger.
- Make loud noises. Shout, clap your hands, or use an air horn or whistle to scare the coyote away.
- Back away slowly. If the coyote is still nearby, slowly and calmly back away while continuing to make loud noises.
- Do not run or turn your back. Running can trigger a chase response in coyotes, so it is important to walk away slowly and face the coyote at all times.
Remember, coyotes are generally shy and will try to avoid human contact. If you see a coyote and it is not exhibiting aggressive behavior, it is best to simply leave it alone and give it plenty of space. If you are concerned about coyote activity in your area, contact a wildlife expert for advice on how to prevent conflicts and coexist safely.
Coyotes are a common sight in Los Angeles County, with their populations thriving in suburban and rural areas throughout the region. They are found in a variety of habitats, from open fields and forests to residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. According to the National Park Service, it is estimated that there are approximately 3,000 to 5,000 coyotes living in the urban areas of Southern California, including Los Angeles County. While coyotes are not typically aggressive towards humans, it is important to be aware of their presence and take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of both humans and pets.