Agenda Report
Fullerton City Council
MEETING DATE: APRIL 2, 2024
TO: CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SUBMITTED BY: ERIC LEVITT, CITY MANAGER
PREPARED BY: KIM CHAUDHRY, SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST SUBJECT: COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
SUMMARY
Coyote sightings and interactions with residents have increased over the past few years in the City of Fullerton. The City Manager’s Office created a Coyote Management Plan similar to other cities to address this issue.
PROPOSED MOTION
Approve the Coyote Management Plan.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Approve the Proposed Motion
Not adopt plan and instead continue to provide education and outreach Modify plan and adopt the modified plan
Other options brought by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Proposed Motion.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
The City Manager is requesting consideration of the proposed Coyote Management Plan.
The City Manager staff has worked with regional agencies in putting the proposed plan together. We have also had community meetings.
PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENT
This item matches the following Priority Policy Statements:
Fiscal and Organizational Stability
Public Safety.
FISCAL IMPACT
No immediate fiscal impact associated with implementing a Coyote Management Plan. Staff will evaluate future impacts.
DISCUSSION
Coyotes (Canis latrans), native to North America, have adapted well to urban environments. Certain parts of the City have seen a rise in coyote sightings, posing risks to residents, pets and local ecosystems. Coyotes play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations but their presence in residential areas requires a balanced and managed approach to ensure community safety and well-being.
The Coyote Management Plan sets a comprehensive framework for coexistence, focusing on public education and proactive measures to minimize conflicts between coyotes and residents. The plan would:
Educate residents about coyote behavior, minimizing attractants and reporting sightings and:
Develop and distribute educational materials on coyote behavior, recognizing signs of aggression and best practices for coexistence Organize a community town hall discussion on coyote management Provide up-to-date resources and information the City website.
Establish clear guidelines for reporting and responding to coyote-related incidents and:
Develop a protocol to respond to coyote-related incidents, emphasizing non-lethal measures such as hazing and relocation when necessary Establish a system for residents to report and share coyote sightings and encounters Collaborate with OC Animal Care and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to assess and modify habitats that attract coyotes.
The plan also includes tools to help residents recognize and remove attractants in their yards and neighborhoods and understand the best response to coyote encounters.
The City would enhance public safety, foster community awareness and promote responsible coexistence with wildlife by proactively addressing the increasing coyote presence.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Presentation
Attachment 2 – Draft Coyote Management Plan
Coyote Management Plan
April 2, 2024 - Page 2