From a local security company :

Although there is a general ban against trapping coyotes, there are some exceptions. The exceptions are only for coyotes that are aggressive to humans, sick or injured, or had bitten someone and had to be tested for rabies. The new policy will allow animal control officers to also set traps for coyotes that, despite the departments’ and residents’ best efforts to deter them, have attacked people or are believed likely to attack. This policy provides the Department of Animal Regulation the capability to respond to incidences where there really is a problem.

A sick or severely injured coyote will be taken to a city shelter, checked and then euthanized.  If it is healthy, it will be immediately released back into the area where it was caught, (or to the nearest wild life area where coyotes inhabit), which does little to avoid your exposure.  Animal Control Officers will respond to complaints about coyotes and teach residents how to discourage the animals from loitering or attacking.

Coyotes are capable of scaling or jumping fences upwards of 5 1/2 feet in height. They can be deterred by increasing the fence height to at least 6 feet and adding an angle at the top facing outward at 45 degrees and 16 inches wide. (For fences over 6 feet check local fence height laws, a variance may be required.) Bury the bottom of the fence at least 12 to 18 inches underground and line the trench with rock to prevent the coyote from digging underneath. An apron underground at the base extending an additional 18 to 24 inches out from the fence should be added as well.

The reason coyotes come into the neighborhoods is for food and water when it is scare in their wild environment. Therefore, the best way to drive them back into their territory is to not have water and food sources available.

GENERAL DO’S and DON’TS

Do not feed wild animals as this just brings them back to your neighborhood. Also, It is illegal to feed predatory wildlife in the City of Los Angeles. (L.A.M.C. Sec. 53.06.5)

  • Keep your pets indoors or secured in an outdoor kennel. Environmental factors can affect the time a coyote may appear. Coyotes are active during daylight hours also. Walk your dog on a leash at all times. In areas where coyotes have entered yards, if your yard does not have a fence, use a leash while on your property to keep your pet close to you.
  • While walking on the street, you may carry something with you for protection such as an air horn, whistle, a can half full of rocks and when the can is shaken, it projects a noise that deters most coyotes and possibly a walking stick or cane.
  • Confine small animals and birds that you cannot keep indoors to covered enclosures constructed of a heavy gauge wire mesh. Coyotes can break through chicken wire.
  • Put all trash bags inside the trash cans and keep all outdoor trash can lids securely fastened to the containers. Place trash bins inside sheds, garages or other enclosed structures.
  • Pick fruit from trees as soon as it ripens and pick up all fallen fruit. Cut low hanging branches to avoid the coyote feeding from trees. Trim ground-level shrubbery.
  • Vegetable gardens should be protected with heavy duty garden fences or enclosed by a greenhouse. Check with your local plant nursery to see what deterrent products are available. If you have access to the Internet, you may find some items on-line.
  • Keep your property well lit at night.
  • Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks and sheds. Coyotes use such areas for resting and raising young.
  • Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside if your pet is not outdoors. However, local laws concerning domestic animals requires that food and water be available to your pet when it is kept outside.
  • Bring in the dishes when your pet is inside.
  • Do not allow pets to roam from home.
  • Do not set your trash out for pick-up until the day of pick-up to reduce attracting predators in the middle of the night.
  • Do not attempt to pet or otherwise make contact with them. Coyotes are wild animals and should be treated as such.
  • Never leave small children unattended.
  • Do not throw food into an open compost pile.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A COYOTE APPROACHES YOU?

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 open it up like a cape. If possible go towards active or populated areas but do not turn your back on the coyote.

DETERRENTS & SCARE TACTICS

  • Spray a little ammonia in your trash can several times a week to cut the odor of food.
    Place moth balls or moth ball cakes in areas where coyotes sleep or hang out to deter them from staying.
  • Motion activated devices such as lights, strobe lights and sprinklers can be useful.
  • Use radios that are set to talk or news stations to help deter the coyotes.
  • Use a coyote Shaker:  A can containing a few coins or rocks which can be shaken and thrown at the coyote.
  • Throw balls or rocks. Bang two pans together, blow a whistle, use an air horn or use high pressure water sprayer.
  • Alternate the deterrents to prevent the coyote from getting used to one method.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE?

If you live in an area frequented by coyotes, closely supervise your dog or cat.  Walk your dog on a leash, at all times.  Stay close to high pedestrian traffic areas. Try not to establish a regular routine and route to avoid setting up a pattern for the coyote to detect. Avoid 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 and move towards an active area. Never encourage or allow your dog to interact or “play” with coyotes.

If a coyote is in your area, and you are a subscriber to the SSA Security Group, Inc. security service we provide to the Mid-Wilshire area, call our patrol car as you would with any other security matter.  We will respond and assist in causing the coyote to leave your immediate area.

City of Los Angeles, Department of Animal Services:

Administrative Office:

221 N. Figueroa Street, 5th Floor, L.A, CA 90012 (888) 452-7381
Administrative Office Hours:

Monday – Friday (8am-5pm)
Shelter Hours: Monday (Closed), Tuesday – Saturday (8am-5pm), Sunday (11am-5pm)

Local Animal Shelter for Mid-Wilshire:

North Central Shelter:

3201 Lacy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
888-4LAPET1 or 888-452-7381

Stay Safe,

Staff, SSA Security Group, Inc.