Item 11g - SGVCG Wildlife Management Framework — Arcadia City Council, August 16, 2022

DATE: August 16, 2022

TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council

FROM: Dominic Lazzaretto, City Manager
By: Dr. Jennifer Brutus, Senior Management Analyst

SUBJECT: SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS’ WILDLIFE

MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Recommendation: Adopt

SUMMARY

The City of Arcadia (“City”) currently contracts with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (“SGVCOG”) to help manage the City’s Neighborhood Coyote Program.

The SGVCOG has expanded its resources to include a San Gabriel Valley Wildlife Management Framework (“WMF”) – a formal document recognized as a management strategy for safely coexisting with wildlife in the San Gabriel Valley region (“SGV”) through a system involving education, behavior modification, reporting, and responding.

Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council adopt the SGVCOG’s Wildlife Management Framework.

BACKGROUND

In 2019, several S GV Cities expressed a need for regional coyote management. In response, SGVCOG staff created the Coyote Management Task Force, consisting of nine SGV cities and Los Angeles County, to address coyote management solutions at a regional level. As a result, the Regional Coyote Management Framewor k was established, providing SGV cities a guiding document on how best to implement coyote management across the region (Attachment No. 1).

Through this comprehensive and integrated approach to coyote management, the SGVCOG has served as the central organization responsible for providing public outreach services and developing comprehensive reporting to the Cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Montebello, Rosemead, and San Marino.

DISCUSSION

Over the years, some cities have identified a need for additional wildlife management resources. Recognizing the fact that many of the recommendations for safely coexisting with coyotes are applicable to most wild animals, the current RCMF was expanded t o

SGVCOG Wildlife Management Framework
August 16, 2022

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include wildlife commonly found in the SGV, along with feral domestic animals, such as peafowl and feral cats. During the expansion, SGVCOG staff hosted two Wildlife Roundtable meetings to include City staff , consulted with the California D epartment of Fish and Wildlife, and requested feedback from member cities , including Arcadia. As a result, the Wildlife Management Framework was developed. The expanded framework discusses wildlife found within the SGV, including black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, opossums, skunks, raccoons, rattlesnakes, deer, wild rabbits, tree squirrels, and feral domestic animals.

On May 4, 2022, the City Managers’ Steering Committee recommended that the SGVCOG Governing Board adopt the Wildlife Management Framework (Attachment No. 2), which was later adopted on May 19, 2022. The WMF is a management strategy designed for SGV cities, especially member cities of the Neighborhood Coyote Program, to adopt and/or modify based on their own community needs. It serves as an additional resource to cities when addressing wildlife issues by promoting a consistent approach to wildlife management in the regi on. The WMF features appendices that detail how to respond during different wildlife encounters, how to identify and remove resources to wildlife and feral domestic animals (also referred to as attractants) , and additional educational materials. The WMF also outlines two animal behavior response matrices – one on general wild animal behavior and associated recommended actions and another specifically on black bear behavior.

Overall, Arcadia residents have had encounters with a variety of wildlife, therefore it is vital for the City to provide guidance for safely coexisting with all types of wildlife – not just coyotes. The goal of the WMF is to discourage habituation of wildlife in our urban environment through education, behavior modification, and a robus t human/wildlife reporting and respon se system. The WMF will help increase local knowledge and understanding of how wild animals behave and to make clear how such behavior can be managed or modified to eliminate human conflicts with wildlife.

By adopting this Framework, the City will participate in a regional effort to addr ess and mitigate human-wildlife conflict and help create more opportunities for civic engagement on this topic . Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council adopt the SGVCOG’s Wildlife Management Framework for the benefit of the community at large.

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), a s it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA under Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.

SGVCOG Wildlife Management Framework
August 16, 2022

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FISCAL IMPACT

The City currently pays the SGVCOG $10,000 per Fiscal Year to manage the Neighborhood Coyote Program for Arcadia. The WMF will serve as an additional resource to the City, at no extra cost. City Staff will share and promote WMF content through the City’s various communication channels such as online posting, social media, printed newsletters, informational mailers and brochures, and at in- person community events including two annual SGVCOG coyote townhalls, which are hosted by the City. These actions have staffing costs associated with them but they are not considered significant.

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action is exempt under CEQA; and adopt the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments ’ Wildlife Management Framework.

Attachment No. 1: SGVCOG Coyote Management Framework
Attachment No. 2: SGVCOG Wildlife Management Framework

Regional Coyote
Management
Framework (RCMF)

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
CONTACT INFORMATION:

Alexander Fung, Management Analyst
[email protected]
Navneet Kaur, Management Analyst
[email protected]
Attachment No. 1

DISCLAIMER
On Thursday, July 18, 2019, the SGVCOG Governing Board adopted the Regional Coyote Management Framework as a comprehensive regional coyote management model for all San Gabriel Valley cities. The strategies listed within this framework are based on balancing respect and protection of wildlife without compromising public safety. This document serves as a framework that individual cities can modify and adopt based on their needs and interests ; however, languages of in dividual San Gabriel Valley cities’ Coyote Management Plans should generally be consistent with this document if possible.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments owes a debt of gratitude to the many agencies, entities, experts, and individuals who helped transform this project from an idea to a reality. We appreciate all of the support we have received from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the County of Los Angeles, the Office of Assemblymember Ed Chau, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society, the Pasadena Humane Society, and the Inland Valley Humane Society, as well as the generous support from the Cities of Arcadia, Bradbury, Covina, Rosemead, and San Marino. Furthermore, we would like to thank the following municipalities for serving on the SGVCOG Coyote Management Task Force and providing feedback on the development of this document:

City of Alhambra
City of Arcadia
City of Bradbury
City of Covina
City of Diamond Bar
City of Industry
City of Irwindale
City of La Cañada Flintridge
City of Monrovia
City of Monterey Park
City of Rosemead
City of San Dimas
City of San Gabriel
City of San Marino
City of South El Monte
City of South Pasadena
City of Temple City
City of Walnut
County of Los Angeles
State of California

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

The goal of the San Gabriel Valley Regional Coyote Management Framework (RCMF) is to discourage the habituation of coyotes in an urban environment by using education, behavior modification, and a robust human/coyote reporting and responding system. The rec ommended actions in this RCMF are designed to increase communities’ knowledge and understanding of how coyotes behave and to make clear how such behavior can be managed or reduced to eliminate human conflicts with coyotes. The ultimate goal of coyote behavior modification is to encourage the natural relocation of coyotes to their native environment.

The overall intent of this framework is to provide guidance for dealing with coyotes in the San Gabriel Valley region. This framework has also been modeled after plans that were successfully utilized by other municipalities in Southern California. This RCM F does not supersede federal, state, county, and city regulations and policies. Additionally, this framework does not apply to San Gabriel Valley residents, businesses, or homeowner associations in pursuit of their legal rights in dealing with coyotes.

As recommended by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the RCMF is guided by the following principles:

● Human safety is a priority in managing human-coyote interactions. ● Coyotes serve an important role in San Gabriel Valley’s ecosystems by helping to control rodent populations.
● Preventive practices are crucial to minimizing potential interactions and encounters with coyotes. ● Solutions for coy ote conflicts must address both problematic coyote behaviors and the human behaviors that invite them.
● Non-selective coyote removal programs are ineffective for reducing coyote population sizes or preventing human-coyote conflicts in the long run.
● Regionwide programs that involve residents can improve coexistence among humans, coyotes, and pets.

SECTION 2: COYOTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

The strategy for managing coyotes is based on balancing respect and protection of wildlife without compromising public safety. The main strategy is a multi-focused approach consisting of public education, enforcement, and reporting.

PUBLIC EDUCATION
Coyote awareness education is critical for residents to make informed decisions regarding their safety, properties, and pets by decreasing attractants, reshaping coyote behavior, and creating reasonable expectations of normal coyote behavior. Dissemination of information to residents, businesses, and schools will be accomplished through the use of the cities’ websites, newsletters, social media, press releases, town halls, community meetings, coyote management workshops, and other direct and indirect public outreach campaigns.

Learning how to properly and effectively respond to a coyote encounter empowers residents and supports reshaping undesired coyote behavior. The public should understand what normal coyote behavior is when living in close proximity with coyotes. For example, vocalization (coyote calls) is a normal and acceptable behavior that does not indicate aggression.

It is recommended for cities and member agencies to host town hall meetings, trainings, and provide youth education workshops in communities with high human -coyote interactions. Cities are also encouraged to mail information re garding coyotes to educate the residents and households residing in areas with high coyote sightings. Mailers and social media postings should be offered in English and other languages that are widely spoken by local residents.

ENFORCEMENT
The act of feeding wildlife is known to lead to an increase in wildlife activity. Feeding can attract coyotes and their prey to an area leading to an increased likelihood of creating habituated coyotes and resulting in increases in coyote -human interaction s. California law prohibits feeding wildlife, including coyotes.

SGVCOG recommends all member agencies to strictly enforce the State law pertaining to this activity.

Cities and counties should adopt ordinances that discourage the intentional or unintention al feeding of wildlife. Please see Appendix A for the draft of a sample ordinance from the City of Davis, California.

REPORTING
A five -tier safety response plan has been developed by the SGVCOG to provide a mechanism for identifying and classifying diff erent levels of human -coyote interactions for member agencies . This response plan serves as a regional approach to identify different types of coyote behaviors. However, cities are encouraged to adapt and adjust SGVCOG’s response plan or develop a plan that is more suitable to the individual cities’ needs; however, levels of coyote behavior and response actions should be consistent with SGVCOG’s response plan. It is also important to note that several SGVCOG member agencies already have their own response p lans in place . For the cities’ reference, Appendix B showcases a list of SGVCOG’s member agencies with adopted coyote management plans. Additionally, Appendix C showcases the SGVCOG’s five -tier response system, City of West Covina’s adopted four-tier color ed response system, and City of San Gabriel’s adopted coyote behavior classification system.

SECTION 3: COYOTE ATTRACTANTS

While attacks on humans are extremely rare, urban landscape development, intentional and unintentional feeding, pet-related incidents, and media attention have led some residents to fear coyotes. It is important to note that attacks on free -roaming and unattended small pets are normal coyote behavior and do not necessarily indicate a danger for humans. Coyotes usually become habituated when they learn and associate people and/or neighborhoods with sources of food.

Residents may reinforce this behavior by acting inappropriately when they see a coyote. Steps must be taken to address safety concerns and misconceptions and to ensure appropriate responses to potential threats to human safety. It is important to keep in mind that coyotes have been in and around the San Gabriel Valley and other parts of Southern California since thousands of years ago.

Coyotes are drawn to urban and suburban areas for the following reasons:

FOOD – Urban areas provide a bounty of natural food choices for coyotes that primarily eat rodents.

However, coyotes can be further attracted into suburban neighborhoods by human-associated food, such as pet food, unsecured compost or trash, and fallen fruit in parks and yards. Intentional and unintentional feeding can lead coyotes to associate humans with sources of food, which can result in negative and aggressive interactions among coyotes, people, and pets.

To reduce food attractants in urban and suburban area, residents should be educated to:

● Never hand-feed or otherwise deliberately feed a coyote. ● Avoid feeding pets outside and remove sources of pet food and water in outdoor settings. If feeding pets outside is necessary, remove the feeding bowl and any leftover food promptly. ● Never compost any meat or dairy products unless the compost is fully secured. ● Maintain good housekeeping, such as regularly raking areas around bird feeders, to help discourage coyote activity near residences.
● Remove fallen fruit from the ground.
● Keep trash in high-quality containers with tight-fitting lids. ● Only place trash bins curbside during the morning of trash collection. If left out overnight, trash bins are more likely to be tipped over and broken into by coyotes. If necessary, purchase secured trash containers.
● Seal food waste, such as meat scraps or leftover pet food, before discarding the waste into trash bins.

WATER – Urban areas provide a year-round supply of water in the form of stormwater impoundments and channels, artificial lakes, irrigation, swimming pools, and pet water dishes, which support both coyotes and their prey. In dry conditions, water can be as alluring as food. Residents should remove outd oor water bowls/cans and secure fountains, pools, and jacuzzis.

SHELTER – Parks, greenbelts, open spaces, sumps, golf courses, buildings, sheds, decks, and crawl spaces increase the amount and variability of cover for coyotes. They allow coyotes to safel y and easily remain close to residents, pets, homes, and businesses without detection. Coyotes may take advantage of available

spaces under sheds or decks for use as a den, thereby bringing them into close contact with residents and pets.

UNATTENDED PETS – Coyotes primarily eat small mammals, such as mice and rats; however, they will also prey on slightly larger mammals such as rabbits and groundhogs. Animals that are approximately the same size as a groundhog or rabbit, especially unattended outdoor cats and small dogs, may attract coyotes into neighborhoods.

● The best way to minimize risk to pets from coyotes (and the other dangers of outdoor life such as cars, disease, and other wildlife) is to keep small pets indoors, only let them outside in a secure d enclosure, or when they are accompanied by a person and under the control of a leash and harness that is less than six feet long.
● It is important to either keep dogs on a leash that is six feet long or shorter when outdoors or to stay within six feet of them when outside. Coyotes may view a dog on a leash longer than six feet as an unattended pet. Attacks on free-roaming small cats or dogs are normal coyote behavior and do not indicate a danger for humans. A free -roaming pet is considered as an unattended d omestic pet outside of its enclosed yard or area.
● Although attacks on larger dogs are rare, coyotes may often attack a large dog when they feel that their territory is threatened. This generally occurs during the coyote breeding season, which takes place from January through March. During this time, it is especially important to not leave dogs outside unattended and to keep them on leashes (six feet long or less) when in public areas.

FERAL CATS – While residents who feed feral cats are often concerned tha t coyotes might prey on the cats, the act of feeding feral cats may cause more harm than good, as coyotes often frequent these locations.

Resident should not feed feral cats to avoid attracting coyotes into their neighborhoods. Although it can be difficult for residents to protect feral cats from coyotes, the following tips can be helpful:

● Do not feed feral cats.
● If feral cats frequent your neighborhood, please contact your local Animal Services agency. ● Haze coyotes seen near feral cat locations. Making coyotes feel uncomfortable will encourage them to stay out of the area. See Appendix D for a list of effective hazing strategies.

Other domestic animals kept outside, such as rabbits and chickens, may also be viewed as prey by coyotes.

Protect outdoor animals from coyotes and other predators with protective fencing and sturdy cages.

Residents are encouraged to use the Yard Audit Checklist (Appendix E) as a tool to help recognize and remove attractants in their yards and neighborhoods

SECTION 4: HAZING AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE

Some coyotes have become too comfortable in the close proximity of residents. To safely coexist, residents must modify their behavior to shape coyote behavior. Habituated coyote behavior needs to be reshaped to encourage coyotes to avoid contact with residents and pets.

Hazing, also known as “fear conditioning” or “scaring,” is the process that facilitates this change and is, by necessity, a community response to negative encounters with coyotes. The more an individual animal is hazed, the more effective hazing is in changing coyote behavior.

Hazing employs immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity. Deterrents include loud noises, spraying water, bright lights, throwing objects, waving arms, and shouting. Hazing can help maintain a coyote’s fear of humans and discourage them from neighborhoods, such as backyards and play areas.

Hazing is not intended to harm or damage animals, humans or property, but to change the coyote’s behavior.

A coyote, similar to a dog, will not know that the behavior it is engaging in is unwanted unless some type of message is sent and reinforced repeatedly. Behavioral change also involves human activities such as identifying and removing attractants and protecting pets responsibly. If a human sees a coyote in an urban area and does not respond in any way, a message opposite of hazing is conveyed to the coyote. Please see Appendix D for a list of effective hazing strategies.

GOALS OF HAZING
It is not economically and ecologically efficient to eradicate coyotes from the urban ecosystem. Hazing is part of a long-term plan to create safe and acceptable living situations, increase understanding of coyote behavior and reduce conflict between coyotes and people. Goals of hazing include:

1. To reshape coyote behavior to avoid human contact in an urban setting. Human behavior can shape animal behavior, in either a negative or positive manner. People living in close proximity to coyotes can remove coyote attractants, identify potentially dangerous situations for their pets and themselves, and respond in a manner designed to change coyote behavior.

2. To provide residents information and tools to actively engage in reshaping coyote behavior and to support fee ling safe in their parks and neighborhoods. This can be accomplished by teaching residents effective and appropriate hazing techniques.

3. To model hazing behavior and share accurate information about coyotes among other residents, friends, and family.

4. Monitor hazing to assess its effectiveness and determine if further action or more aggressive hazing is needed.

5. Develop long-term community-based hazing programs.

TRAINING PROGRAM
SGVCOG encourages member agencies to partner with experts from CDFW, local Humane Society and/or Animal Services organizations, the County of Los Angeles, and/or other relevant external stakeholders to empower residents with methods to safely co -exist with wildlife. Specific to human-coyote conflicts, the workshops should include basic training on species -specific ecology and behavior, strategies to

reduce/eliminate potential human -coyote conflicts, and appropriate conflict and management techniques (e.g. hazing).

Topics may include:

• Basic coyote information;
• Normal/healthy vs. abnormal/unhealthy coyote behavior; • Seasonal behavior changes;
• Appropriate responses when encountering wildlife, especially coyotes; • Human health, public, and pet safety tips and concerns; • Coyote attractants;
• Methods to reduce/eliminate access to attractants (e.g. exclusion, deterrence); or, • Effective coyote hazing methods.

Additionally, Cities and counties should also promote CDFW’s Wildlife Watch Program. This program is a multi-agency partnership initiative that provides support and training to local governments and community groups to help them design and implement their own nuisance wildlife action plans. More information regarding the Wildlife Watch Program can be found on https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/wildlife- watch.

Individuals and groups that are interested in participating in a hazing training program can contact their local Humane Society for a list of upcoming sessions:

• Pasadena Humane Society: (626) 792-7151
• Inland Valley Humane Society: (909) 623-9777
• San Gabriel Valley Humane Society: (626) 286-1159

SECTION 5: ENFORCEMENT

The act of feeding wildlife can attract coyotes and their prey to an area, leading to an increased likelihood of creating habituated coyotes and increased coyote -human interactions. California law prohibits feeding wildlife and local police departments will strictly enforce applicable state statutes pertaining to this activity.

Cities and counties are encouraged to adopt ordinances that further discourage residents from feeding wildlife. Please see Appendix A for a sample draft ordinance from the City of Davis, California.

The following are some of the applicable regulations that may be utilized as enforcement tools to discourage coyotes from proliferating in urbanized San Gabriel Valley:

CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 14. SECTION 251.1.

HARASSMENT OF ANIMALS

Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, no person shall harass, herd, or drive any game nongame bird or mammal or furbearing mammal. For the purposes of this section, harass is defined as an intentional act which disrupts an animal’s normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE TITLE 10. SECTION 10.84.010.

PROVIDING FOOD FOR CERTAIN RODENTS OR PREDATOR ANIMALS PROHIBITED

It is unlawful to feed a nondomesticated rodent or nondomesticated mammalian predator as defined in this section, unless:

• The person is the owner of the animal and the animal is kept in accordance with the requirements of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife; or
• After notifying the responsible agency to pick up the animal, the person provides food to a trapped or injured animal.

For purposes of this chapter:

1. "Rodent" includes ground squirrels;

2. "Mammalian predators" include coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and opossums.

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

SECTION 6: SAFETY RESPONSE PLAN

A tiered response plan identifies and classifies levels of human and coyote interactions . SGVCOG recommends member agencies to adopt the 5 -tier coyote response plan that is showcased below and in Appendix C.

COYOTE BEHAVIOR RESPONSE LEVEL RESPONSES
Coyote heard or seen moving in
public area
1 Sighting report will be reviewed, and if
appropriate, a response will be provided by e-
mail or phone. The City would direct
residents to available resources on normal
coyote behavior.

Coyote seen resting in public
area
1 Sighting report will be reviewed, and if
appropriate, a response will be provided by e-
mail or phone. The City would direct
residents to available resources on normal
coyote behavior.

Coyote seen resting in public
area with humans present
2 The City provides resources for the resident
to be educated on hazing techniques and
what-to-do tips. Additionally, the City would
encourage the respective municipality to
work with the local community to eliminate
coyote attractants.

Coyote entering a yard to a
home with or without pets
present
2 The City provides information for the
household to be educated on coyote
attractants, yard audit implementation,
human-coyote conflict mitigation, hazing
techniques, and/or pet safety informat ion (if
applicable).

Coyote entering a yard and
injuring or killing attended or
unattended pet
3 The City gathers information on specific
animal involved, report on circumstances,
and provide information for the household to
be educated on coyote attractants, yard and
neighborhood audits, and pet safety
information.

Coyote biting or injuring an
unattended pet/pet on a leash
3 The City gathers information on specific
animal involved, report on circumstances,
and provide information for the household to
be educated on coyote attractants, yard and
neighborhood audits, a nd pet safety
information.

Coyote following or
approaching a person and pet
(stalking)
3 The City provides information for the
resident to be educated on hazing techniques,
what-to-do tips, yard/neighborhood audits,
and pet safety information. Additionally, the
City will work with the residents to eliminate
coyote attractants in the area.

Coyote following or
approaching a person without a
pet (stalking)
4 The City provides information for the
resident to be educated on hazing techniques,
what-to-do tips, yard/neighborhood audits,
and pet safely information. Additionally, the
City will work with residents and local
groups to eliminate coyote attractants in the
area.

Coyote biting or injuring a
human
5 The City informs the California Department
of Fish and Wildlife. Residents will receive
educational materials on coyote attractants,
yard or neighborhood audits, hazing, and pet
safety. Additionally, the City would work
with the respective Humane Society, the
County of Los Ang eles, CDFW, elected
officials, and its neighboring cities to send
out mailers, partner with external
stakeholders to host trainings and workshops,
conduct a community meeting/town hall, and
encourage the cities in the subregion to work
with community group s to eliminate coyote
attractants.

Cities are encouraged to modify SGVCOG’s response plan to cater to the needs of their own communities; however, the levels of coyote behavior and response actions should be consistent with SGVCOG’s response plan. Appendix C also showcases two other types of tiered response plans that SGVCOG member agencies utilize in their individual coyote management plans as a reference.

If a human is attacked and physically injured by a coyote, cities and counties will work with the CDFW, which will be the lead investigating agency to thoroughly investigate the incident, to identify and remove the responsible coyote. As a last resort, lethal removal will also be considered if there is a public safety issue with a coyote threa tening residents—only after a thorough investigation and identification of the offending coyote.

If there is an immediate public safety issue, such as a coyote threatening residents in an area frequented by people, the local police department will respond. Since coyotes are considered as “non-game wildlife,” any resident or homeowners’ association can, at their own expense, initiate action to protect themselves and their private property from coyote attacks within the limits of the law regarding trapping and hunting.

SECTION 7: COYOTE REPORTING

SGVCOG encourages residents to report coyote sightings to the University of California Coyote Cacher© at https://ucanr.edu/sites/CoyoteCacher/. This will allow SGVCOG and its member agencies to identify potential trouble areas where coyotes are frequently sighted and allow the member agencies to focus resources where they are needed most. There are several options to choose from and San Gabriel Valley residents are encouraged to use the tool that works best for them. Please keep in mind that these are only coyote reporting tools. Depending on the submission format, residents may receive acknowledgement of their submissions.

University of California Coyote Cacher©
This tool is accessible by members of the public from a computer or mobile device. It provides a repository for reported coyote activity, real-time alerts to stay abreast of reported activities, and GIS mapping by zip code. Residents may view coyote encounters in the San Gabriel Valley region by visiting https://ucanr.edu/sites/CoyoteCacher/Story_Map/. Residents can also report a coyote encounter to the UC Coyote Cacher through the link on the website or by submitting a request at https://geodata.ucanr.edu/coyoteCacher/form/.

State and Local Enforcement Agencies
Coyote bites, injured or ill coyotes, or coyotes that pose a threat to the public should be reported to the 9 - 1-1 emergency line. Coyote bites can be extremely hazardous to human health. If a resident has been bitten by a coyote, please direct the injured resident to seek medical attention immediately. A police report may be taken to document the incident. All animal bites to humans are legally reportable in Los Angeles County except for rodent and rabbit bites. For more information, pl ease visit the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department website at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/biteintro.htm.

APPENDIX A: SAMPLE DRAFT ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OF WILDLIFE (City of Davis, California)

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DAVIS ADDING ARTICLE 5.05 TO CHAPTER 5 OF THE DAVIS MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT

THE FEEDING OF CERTAIN WILDLIFE

WHEREAS, the City of Davis (“City”) is a city organized under the laws of the State of California, with a duty and interest in protecting the public health, safety and welfare within the City; and

WHEREAS, the feeding of wildlife can lead to negative impacts on animals, people and the environment; and

WHEREAS, feeding wildlife can lead to aggressive behavior towards humans, which presents health and safety concerns for residents and visitors of the City; and

WHEREAS, feeding wildlife can artificially support the growth and carrying capacity of urban wildlife populations, compromising wildlife health and increasing human exposure to and conflict with wildlife; and

WHEREAS, feeding wildlife can cause certain sp ecies to localize activity in the vicinity of the food source, thus increasing associated negative impacts on property owners and/ or individuals within those neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Section 251.1 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations prohibits the harassment of any game or nongame bird or mammal or furbearing mammal, expressly including intentional acts such as feeding that disrupt the animal’s natural foraging behavior; and

WHEREAS, an ordinance prohibiting the intentional and negligent feeding of certain types of wildlife, as defined, and further specifying types of permissible and prohibited conduct regarding interaction with wildlife in the City, is consistent with the City’s long -standing commitment to protect and conserve biological resources and public safety.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Davis does ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The City Council hereby adopts the recitals of this Ordinance as true and correct and such recitals are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth in the text of this Ordinance.

SECTION 2. Amendment. Chapter 5 (“Animals and Fowl”) of the City of Davis Municipal Code is hereby amended to add Article 5.05, to read in full as set forth in the attached Exhibit “A”, incorporated by this reference.

and 15061(b)(3) (the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in the physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.

SECTION 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase added by this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases are declared unconstitutional, invalid or ineffective.

SECTION 5. Publishing. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same or a summary thereof to be published as required by law.

SECTION 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect thirty (30) days from and after the date of its final passage and adoption.

INTRODUCED on the ____ day of _____________________, 2018 and PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Davis on the ____ day of ______________, 2018 by the following vote:

EXHIBIT “A”

CHAPTER 5, ANIMALS AND FOWL
ARTICLE 5.05, FEEDING OF CERTAIN WILDLIFE

5.05.010 Purpose
Feeding of wildlife is both detrimental to wildlife health and causes a public health nuisance and safety hazard that negatively impacts public health and welfare.

This article is intended to prohibit, with exceptions, the feeding of certain wildlife within the City of Davis so as to protect public and environmental health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.

5.05.020 Definitions
For purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply:

“Person” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction.

“Wildlife” means only coyotes, wild turkeys, foxes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, ducks, geese, crows, and gulls.

5.05.030 Feeding of Wildlife Prohibited

(a) No person shall purposely or knowingly feed wildlife in the City of Davis, on lands either publicly or privately owned.

(b) No person shall leave or store any refuse, garbage, pet food, seed or bird seed, fruit, meat, dairy, vegetable, grain or other food in a negligent manner likely to feed wildlife.

(c) No person shall fail to take remedial action to cease contact or conflict with wildlife, including to secure or remove outdoor refuse, cooking grills, pet food, backyard bird feeders or any other similar food source or attractant, after being advised by a City of Davis code compliance administrator to undertake such remedial action.

5.05.040 Exceptions
The prohibitions in Section 5.05.030 do not apply to:
(a) Landscaping, gardening, and/or maintaining vegetable gardens, fruit and nut trees or other plants, so long as such activities are not conducted for the purpose of feeding wildlife as defined in this article.

(b) Feeding of birds outdoors on private residential properties using bird feeders, to the extent authorized by law and subject to the following requirements:

(1) Bird feeders shall be placed at least five (5) feet above the ground and shall be suspended on a cable or otherwise secured so as to prevent the bird feeders from being easily accessible to other wildlife.

(2) The feeding shall not substantially interfere with the rights of surrounding property owners or render other persons insecure in the use of their property.

(3) No person shall allow, permit or maintain an accumulation of feces on the property or surrounding properties so as to create a public nuisance.

(4) The area below the feeders must be kept clean and free of seed.

(5) No person shall knowingly allow or permit bird feeders to become an attractant for rodents or other wildlife other than birds. Notwithstanding this exception, feeding of wild turkeys is expressly prohibited.

(c) Any State or local employee or agent authorized to implement a wildlife management program involving baiting, or any other person or business lawfully authorized to bait and trap wildlife pursuant to State law.

(d) Any person who is the legal owner or guardian of a wildlife species maintained and confined under a valid license or permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and in compliance with all applicable laws.

(e) A wildlife rehabilitator, under a valid license or permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who is temporarily caring for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in compliance with all applicable laws.

(f) Any person who feeds trapped, injured, or orphaned wildlife between the times that a wildlife rehabilitator or agency charged with animal control is notified and the animal is picked up. Any person that discovers such trapped, injured, or orphaned wildlife must immediately notify an authorized animal control agency, and no person may intentionally keep such wildlife beyond the time reasonably necessary for animal control services to access and transport the wildlife.

(g) Baiting, for the purpose of trapping, feral cats as part of a Yolo SPCA approved Trap- Neuter-Release program.

(h) Any property owner baiting, for the purpose of trapping, wildlife on their property authorized by and in accordance with State law, including but not limited to trapping gophers, house mice, moles, rats, and voles pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 4005(f); taking of certain mammals found injuring crops or property pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 4152; taking of certain nongame birds and mammals such as weasels, skunks, opossum, moles and rodents pursuant to 14 CCR § 472; or as otherwise permitted and authorized by State law.

5.05.050 Enforcement
In addition to all other available remedies at law, this article may be enforceable through the use of the administrative citation procedures set forth in Davis Municipal Code Chapter 1, Article 1.02.

APPENDIX B: LIST OF SGVCOG MEMBER AGENCIES’ COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLANS

• City of Arcadia: Coyote Management Plan
o https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=10024
• City of Montebello: Coyote Coexistence Plan
o http://www.projectcoyote.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Montebello_Coexistence_Plan_lo_res.pdf • City of Rosemead: Coyote Management Plan
o http://www.cityofrosemead.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_10034989/File/Gov/City%20Departments/Public% 20Safety/Animal%20Control/Coyote%20Information/Coyote.pdf • City of San Gabriel: Coyote Management Plan
o http://www.sangabrielcity.com/DocumentCenter/View/7844/Coyote-Management-Plan?bidId= • City of West Covina: Coyote Management Plan
o https://www.westcovina.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=14526

APPENDIX C: COYOTE SAFETY RESPONSE PLAN TEMPLATES

This showcases the SGVCOG’s recommended five-tier coyote response plan. As mentioned previously, cities are encouraged to modify SGVCOG’s response plan to cater to the needs of their own communities; however, the levels of coyote behavior and response actions should be consistent with SGVCOG’s response plan.

Coyote entering a yard and
injuring or killing attended or
unattended pet
3 The City g athers information on specific
animal involved, report on circumstances,
and provide information for the household to
be educated on coyote attractants, yard and
neighborhood audits, and pet safety
information.

Coyote biting or injuring an
unattended pet/pet on a leash
3 The City g athers information on specific
animal involved, report on circumstances,
and provide information for the household to
be educated on coyote attractants, yard and
neighborhood audits, a nd pet safety
information.

Coyote biting or injuring a
human
5 The City informs the California Department
of Fish and Wildlife. Residents will receive
educational materials on coyote attractants,
yard or neighborhood audits, hazing, and pet
safety. Additionally, the City would work
with the respective Humane Society, the
County of Los Angeles, CDFW, elected
officials, and its neighboring cities to send
out mailers, partner with external
stakeholders to host trainings and workshops,
conduct a community meeting/town hall, and
encourage the cities in the subregion to work
with community groups to eliminate coyote
attractants.

Other tiered coyote response systems that cities can consider are listed on the following pages as a reference.

City of West Covina’s Four-tier Colored Coyote Response System

City of San Gabriel’s Adopted Coyote Behavior Classification Response System

APPENDIX D: EFFECTIVE COYOTE HAZING STRATEGIES

Human behavior can shape animal behavior, in either a negative or positive manner. Residents living in close proximity to coyotes can remove coyote attractants, identify potentially dangerous situations for their pets and themselves, and respond in a manne r designed to change coyote behavior. Successful hazing requires community involvement, understanding, and support. Residents should be equipped with tools and knowledge to respond consistently in their own neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces. Hazing should only take place in open spaces if residents are confirmed with an aggressive coyote.

● Hazing is a process whereby individuals make a coyote uncomfortable and choose to leave a situation where their presence is unwanted.
● Basic hazing consists of residents standing their ground, never ignoring or turning their backs to a coyote, and yelling and making unpleasant and frightening noises until the animal chooses to leave.
● More aggressive hazing consists of approaching an animal quickly and aggressively, waving arms, throwing projectiles in the direction of (but not at) the coyote, and spraying with a hose or water gun, all of which are used for creating fear of humans to encourage the animal to leave the vicinity.
● Once the act of hazing began, it must continue until the animal leaves the vicinity. Otherwise, the coyote will learn to wait until the person gives up. Not following through with hazing will create an animal more resistant to hazing instead of reinforcing the image that humans should be avoided.
● Hazing should never injure the animal. An injured animal becomes less predictable versus a normal, healthy one who responds in a consistent and predictable manner to hazing. ● Hazing should allow the coyote to return to its normal habitat in a direction that would minimize harm to the animal. Hazing the animal in the direction of other houses and busy streets should be avoided.
● Hazing uses a variety of different hazing tools. This is critical as coyotes can become accustomed to individual items and sounds.
○ Noisemaker: Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, “shaker” cans, pots, pie pans ○ Projectiles: Sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls, rubber balls ○ Deterrents: Hoses, spray bottles with vinegar, pepper spray, bear repellent, walking sticks

A common concern with hazing involves potential danger to the hazer. A coyote’s basic nature is very skittish and the nature of the species is what makes this technique successful. A normal, healthy coyote will not escalate a situation with an aggressive person. Hazing is not successful with every species of wild animal because different types of animals have different traits.

It is requested that residents submit a report to the local police department or city government each time they haze a coyote. Reports are most helpful when the following information is included:

● Date, location, time of day, number of coyotes
● Initial coyote behavior, hazing behavior, coyote response ● Effectiveness ratings – i.e. was the method used successful or not

● Tools and techniques used
● Additional details/comments

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR HAZING COYOTES:

1. Levels of hazing need to be appropriately relevant to the coyote activity. a. Coyotes are best left alone. Residents are encouraged to ignore coyotes if the coyotes ignore them. As with any wild animal, maintaining personal safety should be the primary goal.
b. Coyotes are often out late at night when few humans are present. This is a normal and acceptable coyote behavior. Hazing may not be necessary in this situation.

Exceptions: In early stages of hazing, programs should still engage animals. Coyotes that associate danger in the presence of humans under all circumstances will be reinforced to avoid contact.

2. Hazing must be more exaggerated, aggressive, and consistent when first beg inning a program of hazing. As coyotes “learn” appropriate responses to hazing, it will take less effort from hazers.

Early in the process, it is extremely common for coyotes not to respond to hazing techniques.

Without a history of hazing, they do not have the relevant context to respond in the desired outcome, which is for them to leave the vicinity.

3. Techniques and tools can be used in the same manner for one or multiple coyotes. Usually there is a dominant coyote in a group who will respond - others will follow its lead. Residents should not ignore, turn their backs, or avoid hazing because there are multiple coyotes instead of a single individual coyote.

4. The more often an individual coyote is hazed by a variety of tools and techniques and a variety of residents, the more effective hazing will be in changing that animal’s future behavior.

5. Hazing must be directly associated with the person involved in the hazing actions. The coyote must be aware of where the potential threat is coming from and identifies the person.

6. Coyotes can and do recognize individual residents and animals in their territories. They can learn to avoid or harass specific individuals in response to behavior of the person and/or pet.

7. Coyotes can be routine in their habits. Identifying their normal habits can help target which habits to change. For example, the coyote patrols the same bike path at the same time in the morning three to five days a week. Hazers should concentrate on that time and place to encourage the animal to adapt its routine to decrease contact with residents.

8. Certain levels of hazing must always be maintained so that future generations of coyotes do not learn or return to unacceptable habits related to habituation to residents.

9. Human behavior must change to support hazing and continued identification and, if necessary, remove possible attractants.

10. Education about exclusion techniques including how to identify and remove attractants, personal responsibility in pet safety, and having reasonable expectations are critical parts of a coyote hazing plan.

11. Coyotes are skittish by nature. Habituated behavior is learned and reinforced by human behavior.

As a rule, coyotes do not act aggressively towards aggressive people. The one exception is a sick or injured animal. Engaging a sick or injured animal can result in unpredictable behavior. If this is suspected, residents should not engage and instead remove themselves from the situation, then immediately contact the local police department.

12. Individuals involved in hazing need to be trained in explaining hazing to residents who witness the process. They also need to explain the difference between hazing and harassment of wildlife and goals of appropriate behavior for coexistence.

APPENDIX E: YARD AUDIT CHECKLIST

No Action
Required
Adjustments
Required
Recommended Action
FOOD Never intentionally feed a coyote.

Pet Food Never feed pets outdoors; store all pet food securely indoors.

Water Sources Remove water attractants, such as pet water bowls.

Bird Feeders Remove bird feeders or clean fallen seed to reduce the presence of small mammals that coyotes prefer
to eat.

Fallen Fruit Clean up fallen fruits around trees.

Compost Do not include meat or dairy among compost
contents unless the area is fully enclosed.

BBQ Grills Clean up food around BBQ grills after each use.

Trash Secure trash containers with locking lids and place curbside on pickup day. Periodically clean cans to
reduce residual odors.

LANDSCAPING Trim vegetation to reduce hiding places for rodents and coyotes and potential denning sites.

STRUCTURES Restrict access under decks and sheds, around wood piles, or any other structure that can provide cover
or denning sites for coyotes or their prey.

FENCING* Enclose property with six-foot fence with additional extension or roller top to deter coyotes. Ensure that
there are no gaps and that the bottom of the fence
extends underground six inches or is fitted with a
mesh apron to deter coyotes from digging
underneath.
*Must comply with local municipal code
PETS Never leave pets unattended outside.

Never allow pets to “play” with coyotes.

Fully enclose outdoor pet kennels.

Walk pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length.

Wildlife
Management
Framework
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
Sophia Sousa
Management Aide
[email protected]
Vanessa Guerra
Management Aide
[email protected]
Contact information:

Attachment No. 2
San Gabriel Valley Wildlife Management
Framework
2Section 1: Introduction and Guiding Principles
Section 2: Public Education & Outreach 3

2.1 Attractants 4

2.2 Deterrents 6

2.3 Pet Protection 7

2.4 Laws & Ordinances 7
Section 3: Response & Reporting 7
Section 4: Behavior Modification & Hazing 8
Section 5: Feral-Domestic Animals 9
Section 6: Relevant Laws 12
Appendices
Appendix A: Hazing and Other General Considerations for Wildlife Encounters 13 Appendix B: Practical Hazing/Deterrent Tools and Methods 22 Appendix C: Wildlife Yard Audit 23
Appendix D: Wildlife Safety Response Plan Template 24
Appendix E: Black Bear Safety Response Plan Template 26 Appendix F: Sample Ordinances to Prohibit the Feeding of Wildlife 28 Appendix G: California and Los Angeles County Codes Regarding Feeding and Trapping Wildlife 34 Appendix H: Sample Ordinance Regarding Trapping Wildlife in the City Of Los Angeles 35 Appendix I: List of SGVCOG Member Agencies’ Coyote Management Plans 36 Appendix J: Additional Resources and Management Plans on Coexisting with Wildlife 36

Page 1 ends

Section 1: Introduction & Guiding Principles
The purpose of the San Gabriel Valley Wildlife Management Framework (WMF) is to provide guidance for coexisting with wildlife in the San Gabriel Valley region. The main goal of the WMF is to discourage the habituation of wildlife in an urban environment by using education, behavior modification, and a robust human/wildlife reporting and responding system. The recommended actions in this WMF are designed to increase communities’ knowledge and understanding of how wild animals behave and to make clear how such behavior can be managed or reduced to eliminate human conflicts with wildlife.

This framework has been modeled after plans that were utilized by other municipalities in Southern California, including the 2019 San Gabriel Valley Coyote Management Framework. This framework does not supersede federal, state, county, and city regulations and policies. Additionally, this framework does not apply to San Gabriel Valley residents, businesses, or homeowner associations in pursuit of their legal rights in dealing with wildlife.

Wild animals exist throughout the San Gabriel valley, yet cities are not responsible for the actions or damage caused by them. Wild animals are a common and an integral part of our ecosystem, biosphere and the circle of life. They transcend city boundaries, which is why using a regional management approach is so important. Common types of wildlife observed in the San Gabriel Valley vary from apex predators and tertiary consumers, such as coyotes, black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats, to othe-r secondary and primary consumers, including deer, opossums, raccoons, and skunks. Apex predators and tertiary consumers include animals that are at the “top” of the food chain, meaning they are not preyed upon by other animals. Secondary consumers include omnivores, meaning they eat meat and plants, that are both preyed upon and prey on other animals. Primary consumers include herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Feral-domestic animals (FDAs), such as feral cats and peafowl, are prevalent as well. Table 1 lists each of these animals and their classification. As a result, humans, wild animals, and FDAs each share the same living space, inevitably leading to wild/feral animal-human interactions. This framework outlines how to safely coexist with the multitude of animals living in the San Gabriel Valley.

Table 1–Trophic Levels of Animals Commonly Found in the San Gabriel Valley Classification (Trophic Level) Associated Animals
Apex Predators/Tertiary Consumers Black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats Secondary Consumers Wildlife: opossums, skunks, raccoons, rattlesnakes FDAs: feral cats and peafowl
Primary Consumers Deer, wild rabbits, tree squirrels
As recommended by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this WMF is guided by the following principles:
● Human safety is a priority in managing human-wildlife interactions. ● Wildlife serves an important role in San Gabriel Valley’s ecosystems. ● Preventive practices are crucial to minimizing potential interactions and encounters with wildlife.

Page 2 ends

● Solutions for wildlife conflicts must address both problematic wildlife behaviors and the human behaviors that invite them.
● Non-selective wildlife removal programs are ineffective for reducing wildlife population sizes or preventing human-wildlife conflicts in the long run.
● Regionwide programs that involve residents can improve coexistence among humans, wildlife, and pets.

The strategy for this framework is based on balancing respect and protection of wildlife without compromising public safety. It focuses on public education and outreach, as well as responding appropriately during and after encounters with wildlife.

Section 2: Public Education & Outreach
Wildlife awareness education is critical for residents to make informed decisions regarding their safety, properties, and pets by decreasing attractants, reshaping wildlife behavior, and creating reasonable expectations of normal wildlife behavior. Dissemination of information to residents, businesses, and schools will be accomplished through the use of the cities’ websites, newsletters, social media, press releases, town halls, community meetings, wildlife management workshops, and other direct and indirect public outreach campaigns.

Learning how to properly and effectively respond to a wildlife encounter empowers residents and supports reshaping undesired wildlife behavior. The public should understand what normal wildlife behavior is when living in close proximity to wildlife. For example, coyote vocalization is a normal and acceptable behavior that does not indicate aggression.

Local Government Best Practices for Wildlife Public Outreach ● Maintain a wildlife encounter response system(via phone and/or email) in which useful information may be provided.
● Host town hall meetings and provide educational workshops on wildlife safety and coexistence in communities with high human-wildlife interactions. ● Events should betailored to the needs of each city, depending on the kinds of wildlife they most commonly experience.
● Distribute information regarding wildlifeto residents and households in areas with high wildlife sightings.
● Information (mailers, social media posts, flyers, brochures, etc.) should beoffered in English and other languages that are widely spoken by local residents. ● City websites should include web pages with relevant information and resourceson wildlife management.

Cities are also encouraged to participate in the CDFW Wildlife Watch program. Wildlife Watch is a program that is modeled after the National Neighborhood Watch program. It allows residents and local agencies to address and resolve human-wildlife conflicts in their own community. Residents will need to complete required training and will be provided with support to develop an integrated wildlife

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management plan specific to their needs. For more information on the wildlife watch please visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/wildlife-watch.

The following are key wildlife coexistence topics on which the public should be educated.

2.1 Attractants
While wild animals’ attacks on humans are extremely rare, urban landscape development, intentional and unintentional feeding, pet-related incidents, and media attention have led some residents to fear certain kinds of wildlife in the San Gabriel Valley, namely coyotes and black bears. It is important to note the normal behaviors of certain wildlife, for example, attacks on free-roaming and unattended small pets are normal coyote behavior and do not necessarily indicate a danger for humans. Black bears will only come to urban areas when seeking food, so it is crucial to remove all possible food sources that may be accessible. So long as wildlife do not show signs of habituation and/or unprompted aggression, coexistence with wildlife is possible.

Coexistence refers to the ability to live with wild animals while maintaining their natural fear of humans.

It does not mean living with animals in a way that promotes or creates their habituation.

Habituation typically occurs when wild animals associate people/neighborhoods with resources, such as food, water, or shelter, and as a result, lose their natural fear of humans. These resources are often called attractants. Habituation happens over time, and it can be attributed to unintentional/intentional feeding and the lack of reaction when faced with a wild animal. Habituation is dangerous, as habituated animals are less predictable and more comfortable around humans. Luckily, animal behavior can be shaped by human behavior. Residents should do their best to remove all wildlife attractants from their neighborhoods and keep their yards well-maintained, signaling to wildlife that it is not advantageous to live in their neighborhood. They must also act appropriately when confronted with wildlife. For more information on responding during wildlife encounters, see Section 3 and Appendices A and B.

The following subsections detail attractants related to food, water, and shelter. Residents should do their best1 to remove these attractants from their yards/neighborhoods:

Food
Urban areas provide a bounty of natural food choices for wildlife. It has been shown that wildlife will often forage on their natural food items even in an urban setting. However, human-associated food such as pet food, bird feed, unsecured compost or trash and fallen fruit in parks and yards, provide quick and easy access to calories, which result in wildlife favoring human food sources.

Intentional and unintentional feeding can lead wildlife to associate humans with sources of food, which can result in negative and aggressive interactions among wildlife, people, and pets. Unintentional feeding occurs when residents fail to remove potential food sources from their properties. 1 Residents living near black bears should be especially strict when removing wildlife attractants. Black bears have a keen sense of smell, with a radius of, at the very least, over one mile (National Parks Service, https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/Bear-Series-Part-One-A-Bears-Sense-of-Smell.htm).

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To reduce food attractants in urban and suburban areas, residents should be educated to on the following Do’s and Don’ts:

Do…
● Maintain good housekeeping, such as regularly raking areas around bird feeders and trimming overgrown foliage.
● Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls. ● Keep trash in high-quality containers with tight-fitting lids. ● Only place trash bins curbside during the morning of trash collection. If left out overnight, trash bins are more likely to be tipped over and broken into. ● Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use. ● Bring pets in at night and provide safe and secure quarters for livestock. ● Compost food waste in fully and properly secured bins. Residents near black bears will need bear-resistant compost containers.

Don’t…
● Hand-feed or feed cats, squirrels, peafowl, deer or any other wildlife or feral domestic animal– this will attract larger kinds of wildlife, like coyotes and bears, to your neighborhood. ● Feed pets outside. If feeding pets outside is necessary, remove the feeding bowl and any leftover food promptly.
● Toss food scraps out into the yard
In addition to the recommendations listed above, residents living within close proximity to bears should be advised to implement the following recommendations:
● Purchase and properly use a bear-resistant garbage container. ● If you must, hang bird feeders during November through March and make them inaccessible to bears by hanging them at least 10 feet from the ground and six feet from any climbable structure. ● Do not leave trash, groceries, or pet food in your car, as bears can smell these food sources and easily rip through cars to access them.
● Do not leave any scented products outside, even non-food items such as suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.

Water
Urban areas provide a year-round supply of water in the form of stormwater impoundments and channels, artificial lakes, irrigation, swimming pools, and pet water dishes, which support wildlife. In dry conditions, water can be as alluring as food. Residents should remove outdoor water bowls/cans, fix pipe leaks, and secure fountains, pools, and jacuzzis with covers.

Shelter
Parks, greenbelts, open spaces, sumps, golf courses, buildings, sheds, decks, and crawl spaces increase the amount and variability of cover for wildlife. These spaces allow them to safely and easily remain close to residents, pets, homes, and businesses without detection. Wildlife may take advantage of available spaces under sheds or decks for use as a den or lair, thereby bringing them into close contact with residents and pets. Residents should block access to crawl spaces, the underside of sheds/decks and porches, and any other well hidden area that can house wild animals.

Page 5 ends

Feral Domestic Animals (FDAs)
FDAs include animals such as peafowl, feral cats, domestic ducks and geese, and rock pigeons. For the purpose of this framework, FDAs will represent only peafowl and feral cats. FDA’s and residents’ relationships with them contribute to increased FDA populations and attract other kinds of wildlife. For more information on feral domestic animals, see Section 5.

Residents are encouraged to use the Yard Audit Checklist (Appendix C) as a tool to help recognize and remove attractants in their yards and neighborhoods.

2.2 Deterrents
In addition to removing attractants, residents are encouraged to use deterrents, especially in areas where wildlife is consistently present. Deterrents stop or discourage wildlife from engaging in unwanted behavior, for example, entering one’s yard or eating one’s plants. Wild animals can be deterred by light, sound, and/or scent. See Appendix B for additional deterrent examples.

Light
Wildlife typically do not like bright or flashing lights, especially at night. Use motion detection lighting, strobe lighting, and, during the holiday season, blinking holiday lights. If it is likely that an animal has made a den or lair in one’s yard, place a flashlight near its entrance at dusk when the animals have left, and leave it on throughout the night. This will encourage the animal to leave and make a home elsewhere.

Sound
Certain noises can be unsettling to wild animals. If feasible, use a radio on a talk-show station or connect any device with access to YouTube to a speaker and play one of the videos linked below. If an animal is already present in one’s yard/home, make loud, jarring noises, to encourage the animal to leave. This can be accomplished by banging pots and pans together, shaking a tin can full of coins, yelling, and honking a car or air horn. If the animal is a black bear, advise residents to move to a safe space in their home and try their best to make sure there is a clear exit path for the bear. If it is possible to make noise from that space, they may do so to encourage the bear to leave.

The following list includes links to sounds that may be used to deter wildlife:
● Small Crowd Talking Ambience
○ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJQdnHT3MCA
● Small Crowd Chatter Sound Effect
○ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvsR1GBJc8E
Scent
The scents of bleach and ammonia are offensive to most wildlife. Place bleach or ammonia soaked rags (never both–when combined, they produce fumes toxic to both humans and wildlife) near items that may attract wildlife, such as trash bins, or near potential den/lair spaces. You may also make a homemade spray by combining vinegar and ammonia in a clean spray bottle. Use a 50/50 solution of ammonia or vinegar with water. You may spray this mixture around the perimeter of your yard or along the fence of your property. It is recommended to use these deterrents once a week and replace/respray them after rainfall. Please note, these sprays are not intended to be sprayed on wildlife directly. For those living near

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black bears, the scent of pine-based cleaners also serves as a deterrent, but avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony, or fruity smell.

2.3 Pet Protection
The most common wildlife threat to pets is the coyote. Coyotes may prey on pets, including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, chickens and other birds, and rabbits. Any pet left unprotected and unsupervised is vulnerable, especially in areas where coyotes are prevalent. Other kinds of wildlife in the San Gabriel Valley are generally wary of pets, but some animals may attack pets if they feel threatened. For example, a black bear defending her cubs may become aggressive toward a dog that provokes her cub. ● The best way to minimize risk to pets from apex predators (and the other dangers of outdoor life such as cars and disease) is to keep small pets indoors, only let them outside in a secured enclosure or when accompanied by a person (within six feet). ● It is important to either keep dogs on a leash that is six feet long or shorter when outdoors or to stay within six feet of them (if unleashed) when outside. Coyotes may view a dog on a leash longer than six feet as an unattended pet. Coyote attacks on free-roaming small cats or dogs are normal animal behavior and do not indicate a danger for humans. A free-roaming pet is considered as an unattended domestic pet outside of its enclosed yard or area. ● Although attacks on larger dogs are rare, apex predators may attack a large dog when they feel that their territory is threatened.

2.4 Laws & Ordinances
It is important residents are made aware of state and local laws/ordinances regarding wildlife and feral domestic animals. For more information on relevant laws/ordinances regarding wildlife in the San Gabriel Valley, see Section 5.

Section 3: Response & Reporting
A five-tier safety response plan has been developed by the SGVCOG to provide a mechanism for identifying and classifying different levels of human-wildlife interactions for member agencies. This response plan serves as a regional approach to identify different types of wildlife encounters and their frequency. Cities are encouraged to adapt and adjust SGVCOG’s response plan or develop a plan that is more suitable to the individual cities’ needs; however, levels of wildlife behavior and response actions should be consistent with SGVCOG’s response plan. Several cities in the San Gabriel Valley have already developed their own tiered reporting and response systems for human-coyote interactions, but the system proposed by the SGVCOG is the first to encompass all wildlife. In addition to the tiered wildlife response plan, the SGVCOG has included a separate response plan for black bear encounters, which require a slightly different, more tailored response. Appendix D showcases both of the SGVCOG’s response systems.

If a human is attacked or physically injured by a wild animal, cities and counties will work with the CDFW, which will be the lead investigating agency, to identify and remove the responsible animal if necessary. As a last resort, lethal removal will be considered if there is a public safety issue with a particular wild animal threatening residents. This will only be used after a thorough investigation and

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correct identification of the offending animal. If there is an immediate public safety issue, such as a wild animal threatening residents in an area frequented by people, the local police department will respond.

Cities should encourage residents to report all wildlife encounters to CDFW through their Wildlife Incident Report (WIR) webpage athttps://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir/incident/create. Residents can report sightings of, or encounters with, all kinds of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, racoons, skunks, and more. Reporting wildlife encounters helps both SGVCOG and CDFW to identify potential trouble areas where certain kinds of wildlife are frequently sighted, allowing them to focus resources where they are needed most.

Threatening wildlife behavior or animal bites/attacks on humans should be reported immediately to emergency services at 9-1-1.If a resident has been bitten or wounded by a wild animal, please direct the injured resident to seek immediate medical attention. All animal bites to humans are legally reportable in Los Angeles County except for rodent and rabbit bites. For more information, please visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website at
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/biteintro.htm.

Section 4: Behavior Modification & Hazing
It is possible for wildlife to become too comfortable in the close proximity of residents, a process otherwise known as habituation. To safely coexist and prevent habituation, residents must modify their behavior to shape wildlife behavior. Habituated wildlife behavior needs to be reshaped to encourage wild animals to avoid contact with residents and pets.

Hazing, also known as “fear conditioning” or “scaring,” facilitates this change and is, by necessity, a community response to negative encounters with wildlife. It is most commonly used to prevent coyotes from becoming habituated. The more an individual animal is hazed, the more effective hazing is in changing animal behavior. Removing attractants contributes to this change as well, signaling to wildlife that there is no food, water, or shelter available to them, encouraging them to move to another area.

Hazing employs the immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage undesirable behavior or activity. When hazing, it is recommended to utilize deterrents such as loud noises, water, bright lights, and projectiles. Other acts of hazing include waving arms to make oneself appear big, spraying water in the direction of animals, and shouting. Hazing can help maintain a wild animal’s fear of humans and discourage them from key areas in neighborhoods, such as backyards and play areas. Hazing is not always applicable or recommended in every encounter with wildlife. Please see Appendices A and B for additional details on when/how to haze, effective hazing strategies and other responses to implement when you see a certain wild animal.

Hazing is not intended to harm or damage animals, humans, or property, but to change the animal’s behavior. A wild animal, similar to a dog, will not know that the behavior it is engaging in is unwanted unless some type of message is sent and reinforced repeatedly. Behavioral change also involves human activities such as identifying and removing attractants and protecting pets responsibly. If a human sees a wild animal in an urban area and does not respond in any way, a message opposite of hazing is conveyed to the animal.

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Goals of Hazing
It is not economically and ecologically efficient to eradicate wildlife from the urban ecosystem.

Hazing is part of a long-term plan to create safe and acceptable living situations and reduce human-wildlife conflict. The goals of hazing include:
● To reshape wildlife behavior to avoid human contact in an urban setting. Human behavior can shape animal behavior, in either a negative or positive manner. People living in close proximity to wildlife can remove attractants, identify potentially dangerous situations for their pets and themselves, and respond in a manner designed to change wildlife behavior, preventing habituation.
● To provide residents information and tools to actively engage in reshaping wildlife behavior and to support feeling safe in their parks and neighborhoods. This can be accomplished by teaching residents effective and appropriate hazing techniques. ● To model hazing behavior and share accurate information about wildlife among other residents, friends, and family.
● To monitor hazing to assess its effectiveness and determine if further action or more aggressive hazing is needed.
● To develop long-term community-based hazing programs.

Section 5: Feral-Domestic Animals
In addition to wild animals, feral domestic animals (FDAs) play a significant role in coexisting with wildlife. These animals include, but are not limited to, peafowl, feral cats, and rock pigeons. This framework will only discuss peafowl and feral cats when referring to FDAs. FDAs’ presence, and residents’ relationships with them, often attract other forms of wildlife to a neighborhood. When residents feed FDAs, they consequently feed wildlife as well. Leftover food from bowls set out for certain animals, and even the animals themselves, attract wildlife. For example, when a resident leaves a bowl of cat food out with the intent of feeding feral cats, they also feed surrounding opossums, racoons, and skunks, as well as the coyotes that prey on feral cats. Another common example occurs when residents feed deer and as a result, attract bears.

It is illegal to feed wildlife in the State of California, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Feeding FDAs often results in the unintentional feeding of wildlife. While it may be compelling to feed FDAs, it is harmful to them and surrounding wildlife. Human food is unhealthy for FDAs and wild animals, and feeding them can lead to malnourishment and/or death. Feeding results in an increased, unnatural population of FDAs and wild animals, increasing the likelihood of transmitting diseases to both people and other animals.

The same guidelines outlined for wildlife in sections 2.1 through 2.4 can be applied to FDAs. The following subsections will discuss any additional information related to FDAs. Figure 1 summarizes these guidelines, along with additional information regarding black bears and FDAs.

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Figure 1–Summary of General Considerations for All Wildlife and FDAs with Additional Information on Select Animals
Feral Cats
Feral Cats are un-owned domestic cats that live outdoors with little to no human interaction. Although they might seem helpless, it is important that residents do not feed feral cats. Feeding feral cats can attract other wildlife and pests to that particular area where food sources are readily available.

Feral cats can sometimes be difficult to tell apart from stray cats. In contrast to feral cats, stray cats are cats that, at some point in their lives, lived indoors and socialized with humans. Adult feral cats have never socialized with people and cannot become indoor cats.

They do not approach humans and will move cautiously with their body crouched low to the ground and their tail down. They are constantly observing their surroundings.

Cities should refer residents to trap-neuter-release programs to help reduce feral cat populations. Trap-neuter-release programs involve humanely trapping feral cats and bringing them to a veterinarian's office to be spayed/neutered and sometimes vaccinated. The cats are then returned to their outdoor home. The San Gabriel Valley

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Humane Society offers this service at a low cost. To participate, residents must contact the Humane Society for further instruction. Additional information is available on the Humane Society’s website at https://www.sgvhumane.org/trap-neuter-return-cat. A list of trap-neuter-release programs within Los Angeles County can be found at: http://www.spaycalifornia.org/feral/feral_losangeles.htm.

Peafowl
Residents might consider peafowl as wildlife, but they are actually FDAs. Peafowl are large birds known for their colorful feathers. Although they are beautiful, peafowl can become a nuisance to residents. Peafowl are capable of causing damage to cars, lawns, and the roofs of properties.

When landscaping, it is suggested to cover gardens with gravel or rocks to prevent peafowl from digging up plants to create loose soil for bathing purposes. It is also recommended that residents consider including plants that peafowl dislike in their yards. Table 2 lists plants that peafowl like and dislike. Cities should encourage residents to remove plants that peafowl like and replace them with plants they dislike.

Table 2–Plants Peafowl Like and Dislike
Plants Peafowl Like Plants Peafowl Disike
● Amaryllis
● Begonia
● Broccoli
● Brussel Sprout
● Cabbage
● California Poppy
● Cauliflower
● Chive
● Holly Berries
● Impatiens
● Kale
● Kohlrabi
● Lettuce
● Lettuce
● Nasturtium
● Pansy
● Petunia
● Primrose
● Stock
● Stock Cauliflower,
● Sweet Alyssum
● Tomato
● Water Stock
● Young Spinach
● Young Plants (any
variety)
● Agapanthus
● Azalea
● Baby’s Breath
● Bee Balm
● Bird of Paradise
● Blazing Star
Liatris
● Bougainvillea
● Butterfly Plant
● Cactus
● Camellia
● Cannas
● Clivia
● Columbine
● Coneflower
● Ferns
● Fuchsia
● Gaillardia
● Gardenia
● Geranium
● Giant Columbine
● Gladiola
● Gloriosa Daisy
● Hen & Chicken
● Hibiscus
● Hardy Lavender
● Hostas
● Iris
● Ivy
● Lantana
● Lavender
● Marigold
● Mint
● Mum
● Oleander
● Painted Daisy
● Periwinkle
● Peonies
● Phlox
● Pink Lady
● Plumbago
● Poinsettia
● Pyracantha
● Rhododendron
● Rose
● Shasta Daisy
● Snapdragon
● Sunburst
Coreopsis
● Weigela

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Cities can establish their own peafowl management plans that go beyond attractant removal and deterrent implementation. Because peafowl are FDAs and not considered wildlife, cities can implement their own peafowl trap and relocation programs. The cities of La Cañada Flintridge and Rancho Palos Verdes both have established peafowl management plans that involve the trapping and relocating of peafowl (Appendix J). In both plans, the goal is to maintain peafowl populations below a sustainable census. Once peafowl populations exceed this census, cities are responsible for the trapping and relocation of peafowl.

This can be accomplished by hiring a licensed trapper, who will identify new homes for the trapped peafowl.

Section 6: Relevant Laws
California law prohibits feeding, breeding, and sheltering wildlife (including rodents) and local police departments are obligated to enforce applicable state statutes pertaining to this activity. Cities and counties are encouraged to adopt ordinances that further discourage residents from feeding wildlife.

Please see Appendix F for sample ordinances prohibiting the feeding of wildlife from the Cities of Azusa and Davis, California.

Additionally, California law prohibits the trapping and relocation of nongame mammals. Trapped nongame mammals must either be killed immediately or released.

California and Los Angeles County codes regarding feeding and trapping wildlife are listed below. Please see Appendix G to view the codes in their entirety.
● California Code of Regulations Title 14. Section 251.1. Harassment of Animals ● California Code of Regulations Title 14. Section 465.5(G)(1) Use of Traps/Immediate Dispatch or Release
● Los Angeles County Code Title 10. Sections 10.84.010-10.84.020. Providing Food For Certain Rodents or Predator Animals Prohibited

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APPENDIX A: HAZING AND OTHER GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR WILDLIFE

ENCOUNTERS
Human behavior can shape animal behavior in either a negative or positive manner. Residents living in close proximity to wildlife should remove attractants, identify potentially dangerous situations for their pets and themselves, and respond in a manner designed to change wildlife behavior.

Successful hazing requires community involvement, understanding, and support. Residents should be equipped with tools and knowledge to respond consistently in their own neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces. Levels of hazing need to be appropriately relevant to the wild animal’s activity, for example, wildlife may be more prevalent during morning, evening, and nighttime hours, when less humans are out.

In most cases, this is normal behavior, and hazing may not be necessary in this situation.

The following bullets outline key components of hazing wildlife:
● Hazing is a process whereby individuals make an animal uncomfortable so that the animal chooses to leave a situation where their presence is unwanted. ● Basic hazing consists of residents standing their ground, never ignoring or turning their backs on an animal, and yelling and making unpleasant and frightening noises until the animal chooses to leave.
● Once the act of hazing begins, it must continue until the animal leaves the vicinity. Otherwise, the animal will learn to wait until the person gives up. Not following through with hazing will create an animal more resistant to hazing instead of reinforcing the image that humans should be avoided.
● Do not haze injured animals. An injured animal becomes less predictable versus a normal, healthy one who responds in a consistent and predictable manner to hazing. ● Hazing should allow the animal to return to its normal habitat in a direction that would minimize harm to the animal. Hazing the animal in the direction of other houses and busy streets should be avoided.
● Hazing uses a variety of different hazing tools. This is critical as animals can become accustomed to individual items and sounds. The following items are often used to haze animals:
○ Noisemakers: V oice, whistles, air horns, bells, “shaker” cans, pots, pie pans ○ Projectiles: Sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls, rubber balls ○ Deterrents: Hoses, spray bottles with vinegar, pepper spray, bear repellent, walking sticks, ammonia soaked rags
Animal harassment and abuse is illegal andnot a form of hazing. Hazing shouldnever injure an animal. The following subsections further detail how residents should respond during certain wildlife encounters:

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Coyotes
In most cases, it is recommended to implement the hazing techniques listed below when faced with a coyote in an urban area.

Sometimes, it is necessary to use more aggressive hazing toward coyotes that show signs of habituation. In this situation, approach the coyote quickly and aggressively, waving arms, throwing projectiles in the direction of (but not at) the animal, or spraying water with a hose or water gun. All of these techniques are used to reinforce a coyotes’ natural fear of humans, encouraging the coyote to leave the vicinity. Unprompted hazing may not be necessary during late night encounters with coyotes, as they are often out when humans are not present. The following is a list of tips and other considerations regarding hazing coyotes:
● Hazing must be more exaggerated, aggressive, and consistent when first beginning a program of hazing. As coyotes “learn” appropriate responses to hazing, it will take less effort from hazers.

Early in the process, it is extremely common for coyotes not to respond to hazing techniques. Without a history of hazing, they do not have the relevant context to respond to the desired outcome, which is for them to leave the vicinity. ● Techniques and tools can be used in the same manner for one or multiple coyotes. Usually there is a dominant coyote in a group who will respond - others will follow its lead.Residents should not ignore, turn their backs, or avoid hazing because there are multiple coyotes instead of a single individual coyote.
● The more often an individual coyote is hazed by a variety of tools and techniques and a variety of residents, the more effective hazing will be in changing that animal’s future behavior. ● Hazing must be directly associated with the person involved in the hazing actions. The coyote must be aware of where the potential threat is coming from and identify the person. ● Coyotes can and do recognize individual residents and animals in their territories.They can learn to avoid or harass specific individuals in response to behavior of the person and/or pet. ● Coyotes can be routine in their habits.Identifying their normal habits can help target which habits to change. For example, the coyote patrols the same bike path at the same time in the morning three to five days a week. Hazers should concentrate on that time and place to encourage the animal to adapt its routine to decrease contact with residents. ● Certain levels of hazing must always be maintained so that future generations of coyotes do not learn or return to unacceptable habits related to habituation to residents. ● Human behavior must change to support hazing and continued identification and removal of possible attractants.
● Education about exclusion techniques including how to identify and remove attractants, personal responsibility in pet safety, and having reasonable expectations are critical parts of a coyote hazing plan.
● Coyotes are skittish by nature. Habituated behavior is learned and reinforced by human behavior.

As a rule, coyotes do not act aggressively towards aggressive people. The one exception is a sick or injured animal.Engaging a sick or injured animal can result in unpredictable behavior. If

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this is suspected, residents should not engage and instead remove themselves from the situation, then immediately contact the local police department.
● Individuals involved in hazing need to be trained in explaining hazing to residents who witness the process. They also need to explain the difference between hazing and harassment of wildlife and goals of appropriate behavior for coexistence.

Black Bears
Black bears are generally timid animals; they will seek to avoid confrontation with humans. The black bears’ presence in urban areas has increased over time, as they’ve come to realize urbanized spaces offer an abundance of resources. Because of this, it is very important to remove all attractants from one’s yard/neighborhood. For a detailed list of possible attractants, see section 2.a.

It is useful for residents to understand the difference between normal and habituated black bear behavior. That way, when confronted with a black bear in their neighborhood, they will know how to respond. Normal black bear behavior includes spending most of its time foraging or walking around in search of food, water, and other resources. Black bears, especially cubs, will sometimes vocalize or climb trees. If a black bear is in a tree, do not stand below it or otherwise make the bear feel trapped. Instead, leave the bear alone so that it feels safe to climb back down and leave the area. In the event that a black bear exhibiting normal behavior is found in a neighborhood, residents should remove all attractants and stay out of the bear’s path.

On the other hand, a habituated bear shows little to no overt reaction to people as a result of being repeatedly exposed to anthropogenic stimuli without substantial consequences. A bear is likely habituated if it does not respond to people’s attempts to shoo the bear away (yelling and making other loud noises) and/or is causing damage to vehicles or structures. Residents who have experienced property damage can request a depredation permit to lethally remove the bear causing damage.

A Depredation Permitis a legal document obtained by a homeowner or tenant from CDFW that enables residents to address (within the bounds of the permit) a predator that has caused property damage, or has injured or killed livestock, poultry, or pets. A CDFW biologist will assess the situation before providing a depredation permit. Picture/video evidence of the animal’s behavior is not required but is extremely helpful in determining the necessity of a depredation permit. Once a depredation permit is issued, residents are responsible for hiring a licensed agency to address the situation as allowed by the permit.

CDFW will only remove black bears in extreme cases. This can be a lengthy process as the bear will need to be trapped, and CDFW will need to confirm it is the bear causing the issues. CDFW will try to find a suitable habitat for the bear. Because this is difficult to accomplish, “removal” often means humane euthanasia. An intense discussion with CDFW, the city, and federal partners will need to take place in order to make the decision regarding the bear. Table 2 summarizes the differences between normal and habituated black bear behavior.

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Table A-1–Normal vs. Habituated Black Bear Behavior
Normal Black Bear Behavior Habituated Black Bear Behavior ● Foraging/walking in search of food/water
(even in foothill communities)
● Climbing trees (especially cubs)
● V ocalizing
● Little to no reaction toward humans’
attempts at shooing the bear away
● Damaging vehicles/structures and other
property
Please remember the following tips provided by the CDFW when faced with a black bear… In/near your home:
● If a bear breaks into your home, do not confront the bear. Instead, provide an escape route and do not block exit points. If the bear cannot find its way out, hide in a safe space and call 911. ● If you encounter a bear in your yard, chances are it will move on if there is nothing for the bear to forage. It is recommended that residents first remain indoors and wait for the bear to leave on its own. If the bear does not leave after some time, you can encourage the bear to leave by using noise makers or blowing a whistle within your home.
● If the bear is accompanied by its cubs, keep your distance and allow them to pass through. If you are inside and see a bear with its cubs in your yard, remain inside, as the bear may be more inclined to protect its cubs.

On a hike or in a remote area:
● If the black bear does not see you, back away slowly and increase your distance. Clap hands or make noise so the bear knows you are there and will move on. ● If the black bear sees you, do not make eye contact. Slowly back away. Do NOT run. Let the bear know you are not a threat. Give it a way out.
● Carry and know how to use bear spray as a deterrent. In the event of a black bear attack, it is usually recommended to fight back. However, each situation is different. Prevention is the key.

General considerations regarding black bears:
● If a black bear approaches you, make yourself look big by lifting and waving your arms. Use noisemakers, or yell at the bear. If small children are present, keep them close to you. ● Female black bears will often send cubs up a tree and leave the area in response to a perceived threat. Do not remain in the area – when you leave, she will come back for her cubs. ● Black bear attacks are rare in California and typically are defensive in nature because the bear is surprised or defending cubs; however, bears accustomed to people may become too bold and act aggressively.
● In the very rare situation that a bear does attack you, fight back and do NOT play dead.

Once the bear leaves, residents should remove whatever attracted the bear to the area and any other attractants. For additional information on the CDFW’s response, methods, and decision-making process in managing human/bear conflicts in California, please see their updated black bear policy at:
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=198982&inline. The purpose of the CDFW’s black

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bear policy is to provide guidance to staff and the public on how human/bear categories will be handled through their department.

Mountain Lions (also known as Pumas or Cougars)
While it is unlikely, it is possible to encounter a mountain lion, especially during hikes in/near the San Gabriel Mountains. Mountain lions are rather recluse and are wary of humans, making human encounters with them especially rare. If a resident does encounter a mountain lion, they should be educated to:
● Immediately pick up children and/or small pets.
● Make themselves appear larger by standing close to other people, opening jackets/other layers of clothing, and raising their arms (waving them slowly). ● Make noise by yelling, banging a walking stick/water bottle, and speaking slowly and loudly. ● Maintain eye contact.
● Never run away, turn their back, crouch down, or bend over. ● Slowly create distance and allow the mountain lion a route to escape.

To avoid attracting mountain lions, residents should never feed or otherwise attract deer, a mountain lion’s prey.

Bobcats
Bobcats are medium-sized members of the wild cat family and are often mistaken for other cat species.One easy way to distinguish bobcats is by their size. They are only
one-quarter to less than one-half the size of a mountain lion.

They are generally two to three times larger than a housecat and more muscular and full in the body. Their tails are significantly shorter than the tails of mountain lions and most domestic cats. A bobcat's diet consists of rabbits, robdents, rats, raccoons, deer fawns and birds. They also consume plants like grass and fruit. Bobcats have always been around but are rather recluse and are known to be very shy, elusive and avoidant. When encountering a bobcat, it is important to:
● Back away slowly and deliberately from the bobcat, creating as much distance as possible. ● Never turn your back on the bobcat.
● Never run away, as that can provoke the bobcat into instinctively pursuing you. ● If you have water, throw or spray it at the bobcat, as they dislike water ● Never approach or attempt to handle a bobcat
Figure 1 details key differences between identifying bobcats, mountain lions, and feral/domestic house cats.

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Figure A-1–Key Differences When Identifying Bobcats, Mountain Lions, and House Cats Deer
Whether on a hike or in one’s front yard, deer can be
spotted throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Just as with any wild animal, it is important to maintain a safe distance when spotting a deer. Deer are naturally afraid of humans, and they will typically leave at the sight of one. While it is possible for deer to become aggressive and/or violent, it is unlikely that residents will experience this behavior. Be wary of deer that start to stomp or scrape the ground with their hooves and lower their heads, as this behavior
indicates potential aggression. Never challenge the deer.

Instead, slowly back away while looking downward. If deer are frequently spotted near one’s property, consider installing motion detection lights to deter them (and most other wild animals) from entering the yard.

While it may not be common in the San Gabriel Valley, residents should understand that it is possible to run into a deer while driving. The best way to avoid hitting a deer on the road is by:
● Slowing down on roads with deer crossing warning signs ● Being alert especially at dawn and dusk
If one sees a deer in the road, they should brake firmly and calmly, stay in their lane, and honk loudly.

Swerving could make one lose control of their vehicle. If one does hit a deer, they should immediately turn on their hazard lights and move their vehicle to a safe location. The collision should then be reported to local law enforcement or state police. If someone is injured, they should immediately contact emergency services.

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Deer can often serve as pests to those trying to cultivate a garden. To deter deer from any yard or garden, residents should consider planting deer resistant plants. These plants include agave, cacti, wild lilac, gazania, African daisy, bamboo, tree mallow, lion’s tail, oregano, rosemary, yucca, thyme, and scaevola.

Residents should always remember to pick up any fallen fruit from trees to avoid attracting deer and other wildlife.

Finally, never intentionally feed deer. Not only is feeding wildlife illegal, but feeding deer is considered baiting big game, which is prohibited by California Mammal Hunting Regulation 251.6 the state of California. Additionally, feeding deer can attract mountain lions to an area, as deer are a mountain lion’s natural prey. Deer are also hosts to ticks, which can carry and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, making feeding deer dangerous to both humans and deer.

Skunks, Opossums, Raccoons
Skunks, opossums, and raccoons (pictured left to right) can be a nuisance in communities. They are often found in yards and can cause damage to gardens. Like any wild animal in an urban setting, they seek any source of food, water, and shelter.

Skunks are small, furry, black animals with two thick white stripes along their backs. They are most active during the nighttime. It is best to avoid a skunk during an encounter. If it is first seen at a distance and hasn't sensed the human’s presence, slowly and quietly back away. Skunks are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened. A skunk that feels startled or afraid will signal that it plans to spray by raising its tail, standing on its hind legs, or stomping its feet on the ground.

Opossums resemble large rats, with white and black fur, a big jaw, beady eyes, and a hairless tail. They are commonly found in people’s yards and streets. They are slow moving animals. When they feel threatened, opossums display their teeth, growl, drool, and sometimes play “dead.” Raccoons are medium-sized mammals often distinguished by their fox-like face with a black mask.

Raccoons are nocturnal animals and can become aggressive when provoked. If threatened, raccoons will attack using their claws and teeth. If a raccoon approaches too closely, one should make themself appear larger by standing up, shouting, and waving their arms. If it continues to approach, spray water or throw projectiles in the raccoon’s direction, if needed.

Additional detailed information on skunk, opossum, and raccoon management can be found on the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management Program website, http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/menu.house.html#VERT.

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Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes are found in a variety of habitats throughout California, including urban spaces, riverbanks, hiking trails, lakeside parks, golf courses, and open fields. They may be found around homes and yards in brushy areas and under
wood piles. Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive, but they will bite if they feel threatened or when handled
incorrectly. They may react aggressively and quickly when accidentally startled. It is important to take precaution when passing through an area that may have rattlesnakes,
especially during the spring and summer–the seasons when rattlesnakes are more likely to be present. During especially hot seasons, rattlesnakes are more likely to be spotted during dusk and dawn, avoiding the hottest hours of the day to prevent them from overheating. During the fall and winter, rattlesnakes are more likely to be spotted during mid-morning, as they increase their body temperature by laying in the sun.

Please consider the following measures to reduce the likelihood of encountering a rattlesnake:
● Always be alert! Startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before they bite. ● When walking through bushy or wild areas, wear sturdy boots and loose fitted pants. ● When hiking, go through well-used trails only, and always go with someone in case an emergency situation arises. Carry a cell phone at all times.
● Teach children to leave snakes alone and to not play outdoors while barefoot. ● Keep pets on leashes when hiking, and speak to your veterinarian on measures to take if your pets are bitten by a snake
Rattlesnakes are venomous, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately after a rattlesnake bite. If you or someone nearby is bitten by a rattlesnake, remember the following:
● Stay calm and act quickly.
● Remove all watches and rings to avoid swelling.
● Do not use your mouth to “suck the venom out”.
● Do not apply a tourniquet.
● Do not ice the bite area.
● Do not cut the wound with a knife or razor.
● Go to the nearest emergency room, and seek medical attention.

If rattlesnakes are a recurring issue in one’s yard, it is advisable to install a “snake-proof” fence in compliance with local municipal code. The fence should be at least three feet high with a few inches into the ground. It can be solid or mesh, but the mesh should be no larger than one-quarter inch.

Tree Squirrels
Tree squirrels are most active during the day and oftentimes spotted in trees or running on utility lines.

They search for food wherever they may find it, including in residents’ homes and yards. Squirrels are capable of chewing into wooden buildings and sneaking into attics. Their diet consists of a variety of

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foods such as seeds, pine, nuts, insects, and bird eggs. If squirrels become an issue, the following are steps to minimize their presence near one’s property:
● Remove any bird feeders on trees or with easy access to squirrels.
● Never leave pet food outdoors.
● Make sure your outdoor trash cans are property sealed. ● If there are fruit, seed, or nut bearing trees, rake up any that fall to the ground.
● Prune off tree branches to avoid squirrels from leaping from one branch to another.
● Ensure that trees around the home are always trimmed to prevent squirrels from jumping on to the roof.

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APPENDIX B: PRACTICAL HAZING/DETERRENT TOOLS AND METHODS The following tools and descriptions are listed as written by Cassidy English, District Wildlife Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Rattle Cans: An aluminum can that is filled one-quarter with gravel. These work great for bears. When you see a bear, shake the can and yell at it. If necessary, you can throw the can toward the bear. This method can also be done from inside your house. If a bear is in your yard, all you have to do is open a window or a door a tiny bit and shake the can. Try it with deer, mountain lions and coyotes, too.

Pots and Pans: It’s time to be a little kid again and make as much noise as possible. Banging pots and pans can be a great way to tell wildlife they are not welcome in your yard. It can even work for birds, such as herons snacking on your pond fish or woodpeckers drumming in your house. It doesn’t have to be pots and pan, just use anything that makes a lot of noise.

Yelling/Making Yourself Look Big: Yelling and making yourself look big can show wildlife that people are frightening and shouldn’t be approached.

Air Horns/Car Alarms: Any sudden, very loud noise can get wildlife away from your yard. A deer walks into your yard to eat your favorite flowers, blast an air horn. Car alarms can work for less habituated animals. In the city, they may be used to car alarms going off at all hours. It is worth a try, especially if the situation allows for the element of surprise.

Bleach/Ammonia: If you have small animals such as foxes, skunks or raccoons getting into sheds or under porches you can soak a washcloth or rags in bleach or ammonia, put them in a plastic sandwich bag with several holes poked in it. Place the bag at the entrance to the area. They hate the smell and will avoid the area.

Bird-Nesting
Boxes: If you have a bird trying to nest in an inconvenient place, try putting up a nest box nearby. This will provide them with a location other than in your house to build a nest. There are plenty of different dimensions of nest boxes that will work for various species.

Streamers, Owl
Statues, Kites: Putting aluminum colored streamers, owl statues, or flying a hawk- shaped kite can deter birds from coming into your yard.

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APPENDIX C: WILDLIFE YARD AUDIT
To download the pdf version of the following yard audit, use the link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u98a0jtXb7oajOJcVk-LXZgi8kZTU6mk/view?usp=sharing.

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APPENDIX D: WILDLIFE SAFETY RESPONSE PLAN TEMPLATE
This showcases the SGVCOG’s recommendedfive-tier wildlife response plan. As mentioned previously, cities and agencies are encouraged to modify SGVCOG’s response plan to cater to the needs of their own communities; however, the levels of wildlife behavior and response actions should be consistent with SGVCOG’s response plan. Please note that this response plan applies to wild animals, with the exclusion of black bears. You may find the Black Bear Safety Response plan on the following page (Appendix E).

It is important that residents understand their first contact in an emergency situation should be emergency services, for example, calling 9-1-1.

ANIMAL BEHA VIOR RESPONSE LEVEL RESPONSES
Wild animal heard or seen
resting or moving in public area
Level 1 Report will be reviewed, and if appropriate,
a response will be provided by e-mail or
phone. The City/Agency would direct
residents to available resources on normal
animal behavior.

Wild animal seen resting in
public area with humans present
Level 2 The City/Agency provides resources for the
resident to be educated on hazing
techniques and/or what-to-do tips.

Additionally, the City would encourage the
local community to eliminate wildlife
attractants.

Wild animal entering a yard to a
home with or without pets
present
Level 2 The City/Agency provides information for
the household to be educated on wildlife
attractants, yard audit implementation,
human-wildlife conflict mitigation, hazing
techniques, and/or pet safety information (if
applicable).

Wild animal entering a yard and
injuring or killing attended or
unattended pet
Level 3 The City/Agency gathers information on
specific animals involved, reports on
circumstances, and provides information for
the household to be educated on wildlife
attractants, yard audits, and pet safety
information. If needed, the City/Agency
directs resident to their respective animal
care agency.

Wild animal biting or injuring
an unattended pet/pet on a leash
Level 3 The City/Agency gathers information on
specific animals involved, reports on
circumstances, and provides information for
the household to be educated on wildlife
attractants, yard audits, and pet safety
information. If needed, the City/Agency
directs resident to their respective animal
care agency.

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Wild animal following or
approaching a person and pet
Level 3 The City/Agency provides information for
the resident to be educated on hazing
techniques, what-to-do tips,
yard/neighborhood audits, and pet safety
information. Additionally, the City/Agency
will work with the residents to eliminate
wildlife attractants in the area.

Wild animal following or
approaching a person without a
pet
Level 4 The City/Agency provides information for
the resident to be educated on hazing
techniques, what-to-do tips,
yard/neighborhood audits, and pet safety
information. Additionally, the City/Agency
will work with residents and local groups to
eliminate wildlife attractants in the area.

Wild animal biting or injuring a
human
Level 5 The City/Agency informs CDFW and
Wildlife. Residents will receive educational
materials on wild animal attractants, yard or
neighborhood audits, hazing, and pet safety.

Additionally, the City/Agency would work
with the respective Humane Society, the
County of Los Angeles, CDFW, elected
officials, and its neighboring cities to send
out mailers, partner with external
stakeholders to host trainings and
workshops, conduct a community
meeting/town hall, and encourage the cities
in the subregion to work with community
groups to eliminate wildlife attractants.

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Exhibit A
APPENDIX E: BLACK BEAR SAFETY RESPONSE PLAN TEMPLATE
This showcases the SGVCOG’s recommended 4-tier black bear response plan. As mentioned previously, cities are encouraged to modify SGVCOG’s response plan to cater to the needs of their own communities; however, the response actions must be in accordance with California policy and CDFW.

It is important that residents understand their first contact in an emergency situation should be emergency services, for example, calling 9-1-1.

Black Bear Behavior Response Level Response
Black bear sighted engaging in
natural behavior. Such behavior
includes but is not limited to
wandering through neighborhood
streets and yards in search of
food, swimming/drinking pool
water, vocalizing, and climbing
trees (this behavior is usually
exhibited by cubs).

Level 1 Report is reviewed, and a response
is provided by e-mail or phone. The
City/Agency provides information
on normal black bear behavior and
what to do during a black bear
encounter. The City/Agency helps
the reporter identify potential
attractants, ensuring that they are
removed as soon as possible.

Black bear sighted and causing a
“nuisance.” Such behavior
includes but is not limited to
rummaging through trash,
conflict with outdoor pets, and
lingering in neighborhood2.

Level 2 The City/Agency executes the
response outlined for a Level 1
situation. If the sighting takes place
in a city where bear sightings have
not historically been reported, the
City/Agency will alert nearby
residents of the bear’s presence. If
nearby residents are part of the
Wildlife Watch program,
participants should help canvas the
neighborhood for bear attractants.

Black bear sighted and causing
property damage to structures,
vehicles, landscaping, etc.

Level 3 The City/Agency executes the
response outlined for a Level 2
situation. In addition, residents can
request an investigation for a
potential depredation permit3 from
CDFW.
(continued on following page)
3 A Depredation Permit is a legal document obtained by a homeowner or tenant from CDFW that enables residents to address (within the bounds of the permit) a predator that has caused property damage, or has injured or killed livestock, poultry, or pets. A CDFW biologist will assess the situation before providing a depredation permit.

Picture/video evidence of the animal’s behavior is not required but is extremely helpful in determining the necessity of a depredation permit. Once a depredation permit is issued, residents are responsible for hiring a licensed agency to address the situation as allowed by the permit.
2 This is relative to what is typical for the city/the resident’s community. For example, communities that are within close proximity to natural areas, such as foothill communities near the San Gabriel Mountains, can expect bears to be spotted more frequently and for longer periods of time.

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Black Bear Behavior Response Level Response
Black bear engages in physical
contact with a human (bite or
scratch).

Level 4 The City/Agency executes the
response outlined for a Level 3
situation. In addition, CDFW and
local law enforcement collaborate
to collect DNA evidence and
euthanize bear responsible.

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APPENDIX F: SAMPLE ORDINANCES TO PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OF WILDLIFE

ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF DA VIS, CALIFORNIA
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DA VIS ADDING ARTICLE 5.05 TO CHAPTER 5 OF THE DA VIS MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OF

CERTAIN WILDLIFE
WHEREAS, the City of Davis (“City”) is a city organized under the laws of the State of California, with a duty and interest in protecting the public health, safety and welfare within the City; and WHEREAS, the feeding of wildlife can lead to negative impacts on animals, people and the environment; and
WHEREAS, feeding wildlife can lead to aggressive behavior towards humans, which presents health and safety concerns for residents and visitors of the City; and WHEREAS, feeding wildlife can artificially support the growth and carrying capacity of urban wildlife populations, compromising wildlife health and increasing human exposure to and conflict with wildlife; and
WHEREAS, feeding wildlife can cause certain species to localize activity in the vicinity of the food source, thus increasing associated negative impacts on property owners and/ or individuals within those neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Section 251.1 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations prohibits the harassment of any game or nongame bird or mammal or fur bearing mammal, expressly including intentional acts such as feeding that disrupt the animal’s natural foraging behavior; and WHEREAS, an ordinance prohibiting the intentional and negligent feeding of certain types of wildlife, as defined, and further specifying types of permissible and prohibited conduct regarding interaction with wildlife in the City, is consistent with the City’s long-standing commitment to protect and conserve biological resources and public safety.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Davis does ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals.The City Council hereby adopts the recitals of this Ordinance as true and correct and such recitals are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth in the text of this Ordinance.

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SECTION 3. CEQA. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15061(b)(3) (the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in the physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.

SECTION 4. Severability.If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase added by this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases are declared unconstitutional, invalid or ineffective.

SECTION 5. Publishing.The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same or a summary thereof to be published as required by law.

SECTION 6. Effective Date.This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect thirty (30) days from and after the date of its final passage and adoption.

INTRODUCED on the ____ day of _____________________, 2018 and PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Davis on the ____ day of ______________, 2018 by the following vote:

EXHIBIT “A”
CHAPTER 5, ANIMALS AND FOWL
ARTICLE 5.05, FEEDING OF CERTAIN WILDLIFE

5.05.010 Purpose
Feeding of wildlife is both detrimental to wildlife health and causes a public health nuisance and safety hazard that negatively impacts public health and welfare.

5.05.020 Definitions
For purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply:

Page 29 ends

“Feed” means to give, distribute, place, expose, deposit, or scatter any edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting, or enticing wildlife. Feeding does not include baiting in the permitted and legal take or depredation of wildlife in accordance with federal, state and local law. “Person” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction. “Wildlife” means only coyotes, wild turkeys, foxes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, ducks, geese, crows, and gulls.

5.05.030 Feeding of Wildlife Prohibited
a. No person shall purposely or knowingly feed wildlife in the City of Davis, on lands either publicly or privately owned.
b. No person shall leave or store any refuse, garbage, pet food, seed or bird seed, fruit, meat, dairy, vegetable, grain or other food in a negligent manner likely to feed wildlife. c. No person shall fail to take remedial action to cease contact or conflict with wildlife, including to secure or remove outdoor refuse, cooking grills, pet food, backyard bird feeders or any other similar food source or attractant, after being advised by a City of Davis code compliance administrator to undertake such remedial action.

5.05.040 Exceptions
The prohibitions in Section 5.05.030 do not apply to:
a. Landscaping, gardening, and/or maintaining vegetable gardens, fruit and nut trees or other plants, so long as such activities are not conducted for the purpose of feeding wildlife as defined in this article.
b. Feeding of birds outdoors on private residential properties using bird feeders, to the extent authorized by law and subject to the following requirements:

1. Bird feeders shall be placed at least five (5) feet above the ground and shall be suspended on a cable or otherwise secured so as to prevent the bird feeders from being easily accessible to other wildlife.

2. The feeding shall not substantially interfere with the rights of surrounding property owners or render other persons insecure in the use of their property.

3. No person shall allow, permit or maintain an accumulation of feces on the property or surrounding properties so as to create a public nuisance.

4. The area below the feeders must be kept clean and free of seed.

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5. No person shall knowingly allow or permit bird feeders to become an attractant for rodents or other wildlife other than birds. Notwithstanding this exception, feeding of wild turkeys is expressly prohibited.
c. Any State or local employee or agent authorized to implement a wildlife management program involving baiting, or any other person or business lawfully authorized to bait and trap wildlife pursuant to State law.
d. Any person who is the legal owner or guardian of a wildlife species maintained and confined under a valid license or permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and in compliance with all applicable laws. e. A wildlife rehabilitator, under a valid license or permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who is temporarily caring for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in compliance with all applicable laws. f. Any person who feeds trapped, injured, or orphaned wildlife between the times that a wildlife rehabilitator or agency charged with animal control is notified and the animal is picked up.

Any person that discovers such trapped, injured, or orphaned wildlife must immediately notify an authorized animal control agency, and no person may intentionally keep such wildlife beyond the time reasonably necessary for animal control services to access and transport the wildlife.
g. Baiting, for the purpose of trapping, feral cats as part of a Yolo SPCA approved Trap-Neuter-Release program.
h. Any property owner baiting, for the purpose of trapping, wildlife on their property authorized by and in accordance with State law, including but not limited to trapping gophers, house mice, moles, rats, and voles pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 4005(f); taking of certain mammals found injuring crops or property pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 4152; taking of certain nongame birds and mammals such as weasels, skunks, opossum, moles and rodents pursuant to 14 CCR § 472; or as otherwise permitted and authorized by State law.

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ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA
ORDINANCE NO. 2018-04 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA ADDING SECTION 46-324 TO THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL

CODE, RELATING TO PROHIBITIONS ON THE FEEDING OF WILD ANIMALS WHEREAS, the City of Azusa, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the police powers delegated to it by the California Constitution, the City has the authority to enact laws which promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, laws that prohibit the feeding of wild animals promote the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City by reducing the possibility that such wild animals will inflict harm on the City’s residents.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1: Section 46-324 is hereby added to the Azusa Municipal Code to read as follows:
“Sec. 46-324. – Feeding of Wildlife Prohibited.
(a) No person shall feed or in any manner provide food for one or more non domesticated mammalian wildlife, including but not limited to bears, deer, mountain lions, coyotes, raccoons, opossum, mice, rats, skunks, squirrels or feral cats.
(b) This section shall not apply to the feeding of any non-domesticated mammalian by the owner of such animal when the non-domesticated mammalian is kept under valid certificate or permit issued by the state of California Department of Fish and Game or to any fowl or bird species.” SECTION 2. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any entity, person or circumstance is held for any reason to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council of the City of Azusa hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days following its adoption.

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SECTION 4. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance. Not later than fifteen (15) days following the passage of this Ordinance, the Ordinance, or a summary thereof, along with the names of the City Council members voting for and against the Ordinance, shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Azusa.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 1st day of October, 2018.

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APPENDIX G: CALIFORNIA AND LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES REGARDING FEEDING

AND TRAPPING WILDLIFE
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 14. SECTION 251.1. HARASSMENT OF

ANIMALS
Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, no person shall harass, herd, or drive any game nongame bird or mammal or fur bearing mammal. For the purposes of this section, harass is defined as an intentional act which disrupts an animal’s normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE TITLE 10. SECTION 10.84.010.

PROVIDING FOOD FOR CERTAIN RODENTS OR PREDATOR ANIMALS PROHIBITED It is unlawful to feed a non-domesticated rodent or non domesticated mammalian predator as defined in this section, unless:
● The person is the owner of the animal and the animal is kept in accordance with the requirements of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife; or ● After notifying the responsible agency to pick up the animal, the person provides food to a trapped or injured animal.

For purposes of this chapter:

1. "Rodent" includes ground squirrels;

2. "Mammalian predators" include coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and opossums.

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE TITLE 10. SECTION 10.84.020

PUBLIC FEEDING OF PEAFOWL PROHIBITED
No person shall feed or make any food or edible thing available to peafowl on or upon any public property, including but not limited to any street, sidewalk, or parkway.

A person may provide food to a trapped or injured peafowl only after notifying the responsible agency to pick up the peafowl.

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 14. SECTION 465.5(G)(1)

USE OF TRAPS/IMMEDIATE DISPATCH OR RELEASE
All fur bearing and nongame mammals that are legal to trap must be immediately killed or released.

Unless released, trapped animals shall be killed by shooting where local ordinances, landowners, and safety permit. This regulation does not prohibit employees of federal, state, or local government from using chemical euthanasia to dispatch trapped animals.

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APPENDIX H: SAMPLE ORDINANCE REGARDING TRAPPING WILDLIFE IN THE CITY

OF LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES CITY MUNICIPAL CODE CH.5 ARTICLE 3 ANIMALS AND FOWLS SECTION 53.06.3 TRAPPING-PERMIT REQUIRED
(a) No person shall set, or cause to be set, any trap to catch any animal, other than rats, mice, pocket gophers, ground squirrels and moles, without having first obtained a permit therefore from the Department prior to the setting of any such trap.
(b) The Department shall charge and collect for issuance of a permit to trap a coyote a fee of $200.00. (c) The Department shall establish conditions which the applicant for a permit to trap a coyote must satisfy prior to the issuance of any such permit. If the General Manager or the General Manager’s designee determines that the applicant has satisfied the conditions, then the Department shall issue a permit to trap a coyote. The Department shall further ensure that those conditions will be maintained and that the permittee shall inform neighboring residents, located within a distance established by the Department, that coyote trapping will be occurring in their area. (d) No person shall set, or cause to be set, any snare, body gripping trap, body crushing trap, deadfall trap, leg hold trap, or any trap or snare that captures an animal other than rats, mice, pocket gophers, ground squirrels and moles, by gripping or snaring any part of the animal including its body, head, neck or limb, or that maims or causes the inhumane death or suffering of any animal. (e) The Department shall promulgate rules and regulations which are reasonably necessary to minimize the suffering of animals trapped in humane traps such as box, culvert or cage traps. These rules and regulations may include the placement of the traps and visitation schedules, identification and contact information for the trap, the type and use of permissible bait, and the treatment of the trapped animals.

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APPENDIX I: LIST OF SGVCOG MEMBER AGENCIES’ COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLANS ● City of Arcadia: Coyote Management Plan
○ https://www.arcadiaca.gov/Discover%20Arcadia/living/AdoptedCoyoteManagementPla.p df
● City of Glendora: Coyote Management Plan
○ https://www.cityofglendora.org/home/showpublisheddocument/27441/637377737117900 000#:~:text=Glendora's%20strategy%20for%20managing%20coyotes,%2Dexistence%20 with%20coyotes%3B%202.
● City of Montebello: Coyote Coexistence Plan
○ http://www.projectcoyote.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Montebello_Coexistence_Plan _lo_res.pdf
● City of Pasadena: Urban Wildlife Management Plan
○ http://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/Urban-Wildlife- Management-Plan.pdf?v=1646161160559
● City of Rosemead: Coyote Management Plan
○ http://www.cityofrosemead.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_10034989/File/Gov/City%20D epartments/Public%20Safety/Animal%20Control/Coyote%20Information/Coyote.pdf ● City of San Dimas: Coyote Management Plan
○ https://sandimasca.gov/Document_Center/Residents/Public%20Safety/Coyote%20Inform ation/Attachment-City-of-San-Dimas-Coyote-Management-Plan2-Proposed.pdf ● City of San Gabriel: Coyote Management Plan
○ http://www.sangabrielcity.com/DocumentCenter/View/7844/Coyote-Management-Plan?b idId=
● City of West Covina: Coyote Management Plan
○ https://www.westcovina.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=14526 APPENDIX J: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT PLANS ON COEXISTING

WITH WILDLIFE
● Guidelines for Living In and Visiting Bear and Mountain Lion Habitat ○ https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ltbmu/home/?cid=stelprdb5415822 ● CDFW Keep Me Wild Campaign
○ https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild
● City of La Cañada Flintridge Peafowl Management Plan
○ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xPOFEiD-coxW9svSUMOKcWZuBMlK2b0p/view?usp =sharing
● City of Rancho Palos Verdes Peafowl Management Plan
○ http://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6903/PEAFOWL-MANAGEMENT-PLAN -AUGUST-4-2015
● City of Pasadena Urban Wildlife Management Plan
○ https://www.cityofpasadena.net/wp-content/uploads/DRAFT-Urban-Wildlife-Managemen t-Plan.pdf

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Arcadia City CouncilAugust 16, 2022

Arcadia City Council
August 16, 2022