CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #B4
DATE: May 13, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Steve Gomez, Director of Public Safety & Community Relations RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to receive and file a report on coyote sightings, safety suggestions and resources.
SUMMARY
As our communities grow, encounters with coyotes are becoming increasingly common.
In the past, coyotes would typically be found only in more mountainous or rural areas of the region, but their ability to adapt to new environments and the plentiful food found in urban and suburban Southern California has led to coyote sightings across the region, including Hawaiian Gardens.
Coyotes are a valuable member of local ecosystems, helping to control rodent populations. While coyotes naturally are afraid of humans, they can quickly become used to us, leading them to stay in our communities more often. Easy sources of food and water make it easier for them to live in cities like Hawaiian Gardens, and this can lead to problems in our community.
If coyotes become comfortable in urban areas, their behavior changes. Coyotes may harass or harm pets and livestock and may cause property damage. While attacks on humans are rare, especially adapted coyotes may pose risks to small children. For these reasons, it is important for residents to be vigilant, and to take steps to deter coyotes and keep them from staying in the community.
Agenda Item #B4
May 13, 2026
Some ways to help deter coyotes from our community:
o Never feed coyotes or provide them with water.
o Do not leave out food or water dishes for dogs, cats, or other animals, as this may attract coyotes.
o Keep trash inside or out of sight as much as possible, and for containers kept outdoors, put lids on tightly.
o Clean areas around bird feeders and pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees, as these will attract both coyotes and their prey.
o Trim around bushes and shrubs and use traps and pesticides to keep rodents away.
o As much as possible, keep pets, especially small animals, inside. o Consider adding motion-sensing light outside your home. o Always walk dogs on a leash, and walk dogs when other people are present, especially at night.
o Never leave small children unattended outside, especially between dusk and dawn when coyotes are most active.
If you encounter a coyote, do not turn your back or ignore the coyote. Remain vigilant and use techniques like these to scare the coyote away. These methods will also help teach coyotes that they are not welcome in the community:
o Make loud noises to scare the coyote. Stomp your feet and wave your arms, and if you can safely do so, throw small rocks or other objects at the coyote to let it know it is not welcome.
o If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog, take control of your dog by picking it up and keep your eyes on the coyote. Use hazing tactics as much as possible.
o If a person is attacked, notify the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the state agency that regulates wildlife in California. Notify the Sheriff’s Department if necessary, and if serious injuries are sustained, call 911 immediately.
While the City has no role in handling, regulating, or removing coyotes or any other animals, the city is tracking coyote sightings and encounters and asks residents to report any coyote sighting, encounter, or incident to the city. Tracking this information will enable the city to better direct resources from outside agencies and to better educate and serve the community. Sightings and incidents should also be reported to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir, or by phone Agenda Item #B4
May 13, 2026
at 858-467-4201. Problem animals and incidents should also be reported to Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control at 562-940-6898.
Below are additional resources:
o California Department of Fish and Wildlife: DFW is responsible for managing wildlife regulations in California. Additional information about dealing with coyotes is available at www.wildlife.ca.gov/keep-me-wild/coyote. Report sightings of coyotes or other wildlife to DFW at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir. o Los Angeles County: The Los Angeles County Departments of Animal Care & Control and Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures offer advice on dealing with coyotes in your neighborhood. View their resources at animalcare.lacounty.gov/living-with-wildanimals and acwm.lacounty.gov/animal-and-plant-pests-resources. o US Humane Society: The Humane Society offers more detailed information about hazing techniques and managing coyotes. View their information here: www.humanesociety.org/resources/coyotes-people-encounters.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
None.