The City of Alhambra is working with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Neighborhood Coyote Programto monitor, track, and respond to coyote inquiries and concerns. The Neighborhood Coyote Program is a regional approach aimed to address, educate, and report safety issues caused by coyotes within the San Gabriel Valley. This regional effort stems from the collaborative work of the SGVCOG Coyote Management Task Force, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the County of Los Angeles, the University of California, and other external stakeholders. All residents are encouraged to report coyote activity to the Neighborhood Coyote Hotline at (626) 278-8039, or via email, or by filling out an online form. Residents can also contact the LA County Animal Care and Control at 562-940-6898.
To minimize conflicts, the following strategies are recommended:
If a coyote is encountered, scare it away by yelling and acting aggressively, stomping your feet and waving your arms, and/or throwing rocks or other objects. It is important to maintain a coyote's natural fear of humans.
Don't leave small children unattended where coyotes frequent.
Never feed coyotes or provide them with water.
Don't give coyotes access to garbage. Keep trash lids on tight and don't put trash cans out until the morning of pick-up so coyotes will have less time to scavenge and won't have the cover of darkness. Coyotes are most active in the spring and summer and especially at night or twilight.
Prevent access to fruit and compost. Pick up fallen fruit and keep compost piles securely covered. Cover new compost with soil or lime to prevent it from smelling and never include animal matter.
Feed dogs and cats indoors. If you must feed your pets outside, do so in the morning or at midday and pick up food, water bowls, leftovers, and spilled food well before dark every day. Store pet food indoors.
Don't feed feral (wild) cats. Coyotes prey on them along with any food you leave out for them.
Prevent the buildup of food under bird feeders.
Keep cats and small to medium-size dogs indoors, especially from dusk to dawn. If you suspect losing a pet to a coyote, notify your neighbors. Once it finds easy prey, it will continue to hunt in the area.
Prune shrubs and trees several feet above the ground (especially where children play); clear brush and weeds to deprive rodents of shelter and reduce protective cover for coyotes. Use traps and rodenticides, if needed, to control rodents.
Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.