Manhattan Beach
Coyote Survey July 2022
prepared for
City of Manhattan Beach
by
Rebecca Dmytryk
8/5/2022
Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Box 65, Moss Landing CA 95039
Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022
Introduction
Humane Wildlife Control Inc. was contracted by the City of Manhattan Beach to conduct a survey of the area in order to provide an estimate on the number of coyotes inhabiting Manhattan Beach, identify attractants or other conditions that could account for the recent perceived increase in coyote activity, with guidance on how to reduce the presence of coyotes in Manhattan Beach and best practices for discouraging urban wildlife and keeping pets safe.
Scope
The findings and conclusions are based on field surveys and information on coyote sightings and encounters provided by the Manhattan Beach Police Department Animal Control Division, as well as secondary desk-based research.
Findings and recommendations are based on information available at the time of writing. The author reserves the right to alter conclusions and recommendations should new information become available.
Survey Team
Field surveys were conducted by Humane Wildlife Control Inc. staff, Rebecca Dmytryk, July 27th through July 29th, 2022.
BACKGROUND
In recent months, a number of free-roaming cats have gone missing or have been found deceased with evidence of scavenging. At least one resident in the Liberty Village neighborhood (where most of the recent losses were reported) captured video of a coyote pursuing a cat on her street, indicating coyotes were actively foraging in this area. This was also the evidence used to confirm the predation. 1 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
At the June 21st City Council meeting, worried residents voiced their concerns about coyotes to the City Council, urging them to take action.
At the request of councilmembers and under the City Manager’s direction, staff proceeded quickly and, among other actions, organized an internal meeting with representatives from the Police Department and its Animal Control division, Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation, Code Enforcement, Public Information, Legal, and Public Works to discuss current and future strategies for managing conflicts with coyotes. The City hosted a similar regional meeting with a representative from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to discuss how interactions with urban coyotes can be minimized. Representatives from Hermosa Beach Community Services and Redondo Beach Animal Services attended.
Additionally, staff developed and disseminated handouts with information on coyotes, including best practices to avoid attracting coyotes. They also added a coyote sighting category to the city’s Reach Manhattan Beach app, published a dedicated web page with information on coyotes, and produced and distributed a public safety video.
At the July 5th City Council Meeting, George Gabriel, Assistant to the City Manager, presented an update. Two representatives from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, biologists Rebecca Barboza and Jessica West also provided input.
The City Council agreed to direct staff to find and hire an expert to conduct an assessment of the current level of coyote activity in Manhattan Beach and provide an estimate on their numbers, with recommendations to reduce their presence.
METHODOLOGY
Field Survey
Field surveys were conducted by vehicle between July 27th and July 29th, with some pedestrian excursions at some locations.
2 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Desk-based & Literature Review
A variety of online resources were utilized to further assess the level of coyote activity in the region, including posts on social media sites including Facebook and Nextdoor, incidents reported on the Coyote Cacher as well as news media.
Documentation
Noteworthy conditions were documented using the Theodolite App in addition to photographs. Locations of these conditions were added to an interactive map created from Google MyMaps. An app called GPX Tracker was used to document the survey routes, including specific date and times. Images are available in a Google Photos album .
DISCUSSION
The following information is provided to help the reader better understand the significance of the findings and the reasoning behind the recommendations.
The coyote (Canis latrans) has inhabited the Los Angeles basin for tens of thousands of years, predating human occupation of the land. It co-existed alongside the first aboriginal people, Spanish colonists, and adapted over and over again to major changes in the habitat and increased human presence 1 . It is the coyote’s unique characteristics that allow it to survive, even thrive, near humans.
There are over a dozen recognized subspecies of coyote. The South Bay is home to the California valley coyote, which can typically weigh between 20 and 35 pounds - about as big as a medium-sized dog, with long legs.
Although the coyote is classified as a carnivore, coyotes are better identified as opportunistic omnivores as they eat a variety of foods including nuts and seeds, 1 Gill, Don. “The Coyote and the Sequential Occupants of the Los Angeles Basin,” American Anthropologist 72, no. 4 (1970): 821–2, accessed 7/31/22, http://www.jstor.org/stable/671658 3 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. vegetables, fruits, insects, rodents, rabbits and other small mammals, as well as carrion. In an urban setting, coyotes are attracted to bird feeders and the rodents that are attracted to the seed, compost piles, vegetable gardens and fruit trees, accessible garbage and pet food. Even so, research indicates rodents make up the bulk of the coyote diet in both urban and rural areas. 2 Being an opportunistic forager, urban coyotes have flexible hunting habits. The least habituated coyotes will try to avoid encounters with humans by exploring neighborhoods when they’re the quietest - the least amount of vehicle and or pedestrian traffic. Depending on the neighborhood, this could be day or night. In contrast, heavily habituated coyotes can be seen during the day (or night), loitering in one area, often around the same time of day. This behavior usually indicates a reliable source of anthropogenic food close by.
Coyotes are inherently afraid of people and they do not view humans as prey.
Approaching people and nipping is behavior that is learned after repeated encounters. However, coyotes will follow humans, much like the jackal (a relative of the coyote) in Africa will follow behind a lion - because the lion leads to food. It’s the same principle with the coyote. That said, a coyote following a person with a dog might involve territorial issues, or, if the coyote has learned to take cats, it could be predatory in nature, requiring “deprogramming” efforts. Habituation is reversible.
Not all coyotes prey on domestic pets. This is typically a learned behavior. However, once a coyote is successful at, for example, obtaining a cat, it will likely return to the same area to hunt again. This is why feeding feral cat colonies in residential areas is problematic for neighborhoods.
Research shows coyotes are highly-attracted to feral cat colonies - for the cat food and the many small animals it attracts, including the cats. Eliminating attractants is key to reducing the presence of coyotes and subsequently reducing risk of pet predation. According to Niamh Quinn, a Human-Wildlife Interactions Adviser with 2 “Coyote Relationship with Other Animals,” Urban Coyote Research Project, accessed 7/31/22, https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/coyote-info/home-ranges-individuals 4 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, “What helps is keeping coyotes from having potential food sources. In many cases, that means not leaving food out for feral cats.” 3
According to a national survey, trap-neuter-return programs acknowledged there were more cats processed and returned (set free) between 2012 and 2017 than the preceding twenty years. 4 Some speculate the persistence of coyotes and occasional increase in their numbers might be directly related to trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs.
Coyotes frequenting dense urban areas of Los Angeles is nothing new, and neither are the reasons for their intrusion. In the 1970s and ‘80s, Lila Brooks (1913-2017), founder of the California Wildlife Defenders, spent years researching the urban coyote dilemma in Los Angeles. She concluded, “The urban coyote problem was created by the people, not the animal, therefore, restrictive measures have to be directed at the people and not the coyotes.” 5 The current Los Angeles County ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wildlife is based on Ms. Brooks’ work.
Wildlife sightings in urban settings indicate a reliable food or water resource. Justin Brown, a biologist with the National Park Service suggests that if people are encountering coyotes in a residential area, “they're coming into your neighborhood for a reason. There's some sort of resource they're finding." 6 6 Ryan Fonesca, "To Unlock the Secrets of Urban Coyotes, Biologists Turn to Poop,” LAIST, Los Angeles, CA 3/25/19, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-23-me-12481-story.html 5 Eric Bailey, "The coyote that has been wined and dined has lost its fear of humans. Coyotes have to be made afraid of humans and turned back into the hills,” Los Angeles Times, 11/23/1986 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-23-me-12481-story.html 4 Merritt Clifton, "Are Southern California coyotes eating 68% fewer cats than 20 years ago?”, Animals 24-7, 3/29/18, https://www.animals24-7.org/2018/03/29/are-southern-california-coyotes-eating-68-fewer-cats-than-20-years-ago (accessed 7-31-22)
3 David Mendez,“People and Pets Contend With Urban Coyotes in Los Angeles,” Spectrum News, Redondo Beach, CA, 12/16/20 https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/public-safety/2020/12/16/contending-with-urban-coyotes-in-los-angeles 5 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
According to Brown, people need to realize that their actions are responsible for drawing coyotes into their neighborhoods and that “we need to be dealing with that situation if we don't want them there." 7
For decades, experts have suspected a strong connection between anthropogenic food resources and the presence of coyotes in urban areas, suggesting that reducing food resources would reduce the presence of coyotes in an urban landscape. Finally, in 2004, a study involving radio-collared coyotes confirmed the theory. Researchers documented a dramatic decrease in coyote traffic across an entire neighborhood when two major sources of food were removed. 8 Authorities agree, the two most important strategies to reduce the presence of coyotes in urban areas and prevent habituation, are education of the public on what attracts coyotes and how to deter them, and ordinances prohibiting the feeding of wildlife or otherwise attracting wildlife, including the handling of refuse. 9 Reducing food resources might not only reduce the number of individual coyotes in an area, but possibly reduce the number of family units, or packs, due to the unique social characteristics of the coyote.
A coyote’s home range refers to the area in which they travel and forage for resources. Home ranges of coyotes can overlap. A territory is a portion within the home range that is defended from other coyotes. 10
Solitary coyotes, also referred to as transients, do not belong to a pack. They can travel great distances and have large home ranges but do not defend a territory. 10 “Home Ranges of Individuals,” Urban Coyote Research Project, https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/coyote-info/home-ranges-individuals (accessed 7/31/22) 9 Baker, Rex O. and Timm, Robert M. (2017) "Coyote Attacks on Humans, 1970-2015: Implications for Reducing the Risks," Human–Wildlife Interactions : Vol. 11: Iss. 2, Article 3. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol11/iss2/3 8 Derek Gomes, "Study finds food source major draw for coyotes,” Newport Daily News, Newport, RI 7/19/19, https://www.newportri.com/story/news/local/2019/07/17/want-to-keep-coyotes-away-dont-make-food-available-to-them-on-a quidneck-island/4671343007
7 Fonesca, "To Unlock the Secrets of Urban Coyotes, Biologists Turn to Poop.” 6 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Pack coyotes, also known as resident coyotes, defend territories. Territories can be less than 2 square miles. 11
A family unit, or pack, consists of an alpha pair, and often one or two subordinate helpers (usually older offspring), as well as the pups of the year. The total number of individuals in a pack fluctuates depending on the time of year and age of the pack’s members.
Pups are born in early spring. The female will give birth and nurse her pups in a sheltered area, referred to as a den. After they are about six weeks old they start to explore outside of their den and by the end of summer they are more independent and might begin to disperse from the pack to become transients for a period of time, or, depending on the pack’s dynamics, they might remain as a helper.
Coyotes are absolutely monogamous - until death do they part 12 , and about 95% of the time only the alpha pair reproduce. Other female members of the pack remain behaviorally sterile 13 . This unique social hierarchy of the coyote has profound implications when lethal measures are used to manage their numbers.
Simply put, when either (or both) the “King” or “Queen” is removed, the social structure of the pack collapses and the kingdom - the territory - is then “up for grabs”. Immigration is immediate, either from local transient coyotes or neighboring packs, or betas, quickly replacing the reproductive male and or female. 14 Therefore, no long term change in population should be expected. 14 “Crabtree Letter on Coyotes,” The Wildlife News, accessed 7/31/22, https://www.thewildlifenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Crabtrees-Letter-on-Coyotes.pdf 13 Dr. Robert L. Crabtree, “Crabtree Letter on Coyotes,” The Wildlife News, https://www.thewildlifenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Crabtrees-Letter-on-Coyotes.pdf (accessed 7/31/22) 12 Ohio State University. "Urban coyotes never stray: New study finds 100 percent monogamy," ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120925142549.htm (accessed 7/31/22) 11 “Home Ranges of Individuals,” Urban Coyote Research Project, (accessed 7/31/22) https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/coyote-info/home-ranges-individuals 7 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Coyotes evolved special adaptations allowing them to recolonize quickly and for this reason efforts to control their numbers by lethal means are not successful, as researcher Niamh Quinn has explained, “When you start to lethally control coyotes, all you get is coyotes from other areas.” 15
Possibly the most recent example of this phenomenon can be seen in the City of Torrance, where the City’s ongoing efforts to eliminate coyotes by lethal means does not appear to be reducing the presence of coyotes. 16 Results from its 3-year campaign suggest there has been no significant decrease in the population and could actually be counterproductive.
Research suggests removal of coyotes can increase the number of individuals in an area, pointing to the potential for the next litter of pups to survive to adulthood due to a surplus in food from there being fewer adults. These pups could be recruited to stay on as helpers when they are mature, which means within a year or so, the population could be back to where it was originally. Additionally, ongoing lethal control can result in an area’s packs being skewed towards younger, more productively fit individuals. 17
What has proven effective, is removal of the food resources that attract and support coyotes in an urban environment. This includes, pet food, birdseed, compost, accessible garbage, fruits and berries, free-roaming chickens, and free-roaming cats. The presence of coyotes can be reduced by reducing their food, and the behavior of coyotes can be changed when humans change their behavior. 18 18 David Gregg and Jo Yellis, "Coyote study comes to Providence,” Providence Journal, Providence RI, 9/21/20, https://www.providencejournal.com/story/opinion/2020/09/21/opiniongregg-and-yellis-coyote-study-comes-to-providence/11 4108810/
17 “Crabtree Letter on Coyotes,” The Wildlife News,
https://www.thewildlifenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Crabtrees-Letter-on-Coyotes.pdf , (accessed July 31, 2022). 16 City of Torrance, Coyote Management Program Report October 11, 2021 - March 31, 2022, Community Services Dept., 4,7, 2022, https://torrance.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=8&clip_id=13954&meta_id=341066 (accessed 7/31/22)
15 “People and Pets Contend With Urban Coyotes in Los Angeles,” Spectrum News, (accessed July 31, 2022) https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/public-safety/2020/12/16/contending-with-urban-coyotes-in-los-angeles 8 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Controlling the presence of wildlife in a given area by controlling the food on which they depend is one of the fundamental principles of Integrated Pest Management.
It is a simple and effective strategy to control the presence of vertebrate wildlife, from mice to mountain lions.
FINDINGS
Findings: Coyote Attractants and Conducive Conditions
● Overflowing residential trash bins
The survey was purposefully conducted on refuse and recycling collection days, when residential bins would be the fullest. We found a number of bins open, their lids up and overflowing. We documented a very small percentage of the ones observed.
● Open and overflowing commercial bins and dumpsters
We found a number of commercial bins open or without lids, and full of what appeared to be a mix of trash, food waste and construction debris. We found these at construction sites as well as commercial operations throughout the city. 9 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. ● Open and overflowing city and park trash receptacles
We documented open (no lid) trash bins and overflowing receptacles at parks and subsequently a fair amount of litter.
10 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. ● Litter
As mentioned above, we observed a fair amount of litter in areas where trash receptacles were overflowing or had open or missing lids. We also noted some discarded food and food and drink containers.
Potential natural vertebrate prey
- Waterfowl. The Canada geese and waterfowl at Polliwog Park may provide some food for coyotes.
- Mesopredators. We noted 3 deceased small to medium sized hit-by-car opossums while conducting our survey.
- Rodents, including gophers, voles, rats and mice. Likely plentiful. ● Feral and free-roaming cats
We were advised of a number of locations where there has been ongoing feeding of feral cats. While we did not observe feeding bowls or dishes or piles of cat food, nor did we see many free-roaming cats while conducting the survey, we did discover a young abandoned kitten at one of the city’s parks where there was recent coyote activity. The kitten was contained and later adopted to an indoor-only home. 11 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Additionally, we met with one of the residents in Liberty Village who recently lost a cat to a coyote, and was informed on the history of some of the cats on the block.
Many had been part of a colony of feral cats that a neighbor had cared for. When she moved away, the cats were left behind. Residents began feeding the cats, referring to one location as a homeless cat encampment. In April, cats in the neighborhood started to go missing or were found dead and partially eaten. ● Harborage
We noted very few areas where dense vegetation could contribute to the presence of coyotes. Even the Veterans Parkway green belt was nicely manicured. We did, however, observe a couple of places - structures - with openings that could attract mesopredators including coyotes.
Findings: Coyote Activity
Aided by the Police Department’s Animal Control records, conversations with locals and online accounts of observations, we were able to identify areas of activity. We surveyed these “hot spots” at various times of the day and night and concluded the coyotes are likely visiting the neighborhoods late night until dusk. This theory was supported by an observation of an adult coyote crossing Artesia Blvd into Redondo Beach at 05:45 on July 29th.
12 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Working off map and survey of the area at various times of day and night we identified zones that coyotes might use to navigate through the urban landscape.
Places that experience comparatively low vehicle and pedestrian traffic. These are identified on the Map as “hubs”.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on what we observed during the survey and accounts of coyote activity, we feel confident there are no coyotes currently residing within the city limits of Manhattan Beach.
Instead, we believe there is one family unit consisting of a mated pair and their pups of the year, residing, or at least originating from hubs within Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, specifically Valley Park, where pups were reportedly observed in 2020, South Park, where pups had been reportedly seen in late May, 2022, and Wylie Sump. There may be one, possibly two additional adult members of the pack, but based on sightings and conversations with locals we believe this is unlikely.
Based on reported sightings and descriptions, we believe one of the members of this pack, possibly the alpha female ( the “queen”), has an old injury, as it favors its left rear leg. There are reports of a coyote lying down, resting, which we believe might be this particular coyote. If we’re correct, this individual has been seen as far north as the MBS studios and as far south as South Park in Hermosa Beach, which helps piece together the home range of this pack.
Alternatively, there could be two packs residing south of Manhattan Beach, sharing a home range. More accurate profiling would require surveys in these cities.
Regardless of the social dynamics, we estimate 2 to 4 adult coyotes frequent the southeast portion of Manhattan Beach from Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.
Again, based on reported sightings, we also believe there is either an additional pack or transients entering Manhattan Beach from the north, crossing Rosecrans 13 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. and traveling through Sand Dune Park and navigating the residential neighborhoods east of the park where we were told cats were being fed. We speculate 2 to 3 adults accessing Manhattan Beach from the north.
In total, we believe the city may be visited by 2 to 4 adult coyotes on a daily basis - not all at once, and they are primarily active in the city from late night to early morning.
Coyotes are highly attracted to feral cat feeding sites - for the cat food, the cats, and the other animals that are attracted to the area. When feral cats are fed in a residential area, coyotes will be drawn into those neighborhoods, placing free-roaming cats and small pets at risk. It was not surprising to find the concentration of coyote sightings and the one confirmed cat predation in Manhattan Beach in the vicinity of a known feral cat feeding site.
We conclude the primary attractant - what has drawn, and will continue to lure coyotes into residential areas of Manhattan Beach, are feral cats and the food they are provided.
Secondly, the prevalence of accessible garbage, which attracts and supports rats and mice and medium-sized mammals, might also be responsible for attracting coyotes into the city.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Reduce Attractants
Overall, reducing anthropogenic (human related) food resources should result in fewer coyote sightings and encounters, overall, as the coyotes shift back to their natural diet and natural behavior. This improvement in coyote behavior, though, requires improvement in human behavior. 19
19 Ryan Gibbs, “Coyote expert says improved human behavior is evident,” Jamestown Press, Jamestown, RI 10/7/21 https://www.jamestownpress.com/articles/coyote-expert-says-improved-human-behavior-is-evident/ 14 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
Significant attractants should be addressed, like litter and garbage. We recommend the City increase attention on sanitation to reduce the accessibility of food by wildlife including rodents, crows, gulls and medium-sized mammals including coyotes. For example, in 2016 the Los Angeles Animal Services proposed changes to trash receptacles as part of its coyote management program. 20 Our suggestions include:
- Replace park and street trash receptacles with wildlife-proof bins - Place additional secure trash receptacles during events as needed - Work with Code Enforcement on compliance issues at construction sites - Remind residents to secure their trash properly
- Encourage residents to report overflowing bins or litter on the Reach MB app In addition to the above suggestions, we recommend reducing available food and shelter opportunities for mice and rats and other animals, which should reduce their presence and, in turn, the presence of coyotes.
Our suggestions include:
- Encourage businesses and homeowners to make sure their properties do not attract and support rodents or medium-sized mammals. For example, making sure their home or building is rodent-proofed and all subfloor vents and access hatches are secure, that there are no hiding places, and that any dense vegetation is cleared or thinned. Perhaps this could be delivered through an educational publication or a web page.
- Adopt and enforce an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wildlife (with exceptions) to discourage people from attracting wild animals into residential neighborhoods.
20 City of Los Angele, Report Back on Coyote Management Program, June 24, 2016, Los Angeles Animal Services Dept., http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2016/16-0585_rpt_DAS_06-24-2016.pdf (accessed 8/9/22) 15 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. - Adopt a Feral Cat Management Program similar to the TENVAC plan (Trap, Evaluate, Neuter, Vaccinate, Adopt, Contain) where feral cat colonies are registered with the City, and monitored. This type of program encourages responsible pet ownership and discourages abandonment, it helps ensure stray cats receive the best care possible while increasing public safety and reducing risk to pets and the environment.
The TENVAC plan for maintaining feral cat colonies includes the following suggestions which can be modified to meet the needs of Manhattan Beach.
1. All cats must test negative for FIV and Feline leukemia.
2. All cats must be sterilized.
3. All cats must be vaccinated for Rabies as required and be kept current.
4. All cats must be microchipped and registered to an owner or rescue.
5. All cats must be treated annually for internal parasites that pose a zoonotic risk to humans, domestic animals and wildlife.
6. Feral cat colonies sanctioned by the City cannot be maintained in close proximity to schools, human food sources (groceries, restaurants, etc), daycare centers or hospitals, public parklands or environmentally sensitive areas.
7. Any kittens and newcomers shall be immediately removed and adopted/fostered/contained.
8. All feeding must be completed while the caregiver is present, and then ALL food removed, along with all visible fecal matter and food remains.
9. All managed colonies shall be appropriately licensed, new colony establishment is strictly forbidden, and the managed colony program shall be phased out over a 5 year period of time.
16 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
10. All managed colonies shall have the permission of all adjacent land owners, and any property owners within 1000 feet of the colony location. - Revisit the City’s current policy on stray cats, as currently the City only accepts sick and or injured stray cats, not healthy ones. Abandoned cats that are able to reproduce can lead to more cats in a short period of time. - Develop a plan to discourage healthy geese from overwintering at parks.
Build on the City’s Coyote Response Strategy
- Adopt a strategic plan to respond to various levels of coyote behavior (a Coyote Management Plan) based on the most current data and best practices. This may require development and maintenance of a coyote response team, trained in proper aversion conditioning (hazing). 21 - Update Yard Audit checklist to include any new and relevant information. - Offer educational webinars and or workshops on living with coyotes. - Consider developing a coyote sighting map specifically for Manhattan Beach.
Coyote Trapping and Removal
We do not recommend removal of any coyotes at this time because they do not appear to be exhibiting abnormal behavior or behavior that could be constituted as aggression towards humans. The single coyote we encountered was extremely wary and skittish and in no way a threat to human safety. 21 Sampson, Lesley and Van Patter, Lauren, "Advancing Best Practices for Aversion Conditioning (Humane Hazing) to Mitigate Human–Coyote Conflicts in Urban Areas," Human–Wildlife Interactions 14, no. 2, Article 7, 2020 https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol14/iss2/7
17 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
The humane lethal removal of a coyote should be considered only in the event of an unprovoked, confirmed attack on a person or where a coyote has been determined to be sick or mortally wounded. The removal should focus on the individual coyote(s) only, which will require significant investigative efforts by a qualified expert to ensure the correct animal(s) is removed.
The reason we do not recommend the City use lethal measures to reduce the presence of coyotes in Manhattan Beach is because this strategy, to the best of our knowledge, has never been successful and can actually, surprisingly, result in an increase in individuals.
This short video clip Coyote Troubles… Why not just shoot them? explains the dynamics behind the coyotes’ unique ability to quickly recolonize in response to exploitation.
Coyotes have been and always will be a part of the area’s landscape. It comes down to people being educated about these animals and understanding what to do and what not to do, so both humans and coyotes can coexist in relative harmony.
While some may suggest lethal control as a means of reducing coyotes in urban areas, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of such measures.
However, the intent - to see few if any coyotes in residential neighborhoods, is a common goal. We feel confident Manhattan Beach can achieve this objective by taking the actions recommended above.
In closing, we are available to assist the City in producing educational publications, as well as helping develop a comprehensive feral cat management program and drafting a no-feeding wildlife ordinance. We are also available to assist with investigating reports of aggressive coyotes and subsequent removal of individuals, if warranted.
18 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 19 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 20 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 21 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 22 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
CURRICULUM VITAE
REBECCA DMYTRYK
Box 65, Moss Landing CA 95039
PERSONAL DATA
Date of Birth: 11-18-1961
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California
Interests: Wildlife, ecology, ethology, photography, art, journalism.
FORMAL EDUCATION
Pierce College, 1984: Field of study: Biology
University of California, Los Angeles, 1983: Animal Behavior, Observing Animal Behavior, Course Diploma, Public High School, Agoura, California, 1978: Biology, Herpetology, Photography
PRESENT VOCATIONS AND POSITIONS
President and CEO, National Association for Wildlife Emergency Services (nonprofit) Founding Officer, Board Member, Humane Wildlife Control Association (trade association) CEO, Humane Wildlife Control Inc. (corporation)
Voice Talent
Author
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS AND EMPLOYMENT
2013 to present: Founder, President, CEO, National Association for Wildlife Emergency Svcs 2013 to present: Founder, Board Member, Humane Wildlife Control Association 2012 to present: Owner, CEO Humane Wildlife Control Inc, Moss Landing, CA 2000 to 2020: Director and Officer, EarthWays Foundation, Malibu, CA 2007 to 2015: Owner, Carmel Canines Mobile Pet Services, Moss Landing, CA 2000 to 2013: Founder, Director, WildRescue, a project of EarthWays Foundation 2002 to 2003: Board Member, California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators 1996 to 2002: Founder, President and CEO, The California Wildlife Center 1990 to 2011: International Bird Rescue Oiled Wildlife Response Team, CA 1992: Secretary and Treasurer, International Center for Gibbon Studies, Saugus, CA 1991 - 1993: Co-Founder, Vice President, Marine & Mountain Wildlife Rescue, Malibu, CA 1986 to 2007: Owner/Operator, Malibu Mobile Pet Services, Malibu CA 1985: Secretary, Marine Wildlife Rescue Station, Agoura, CA 1980 to 1982: Co-Founder, Animal Rescue Care Center, Thousand Oaks, CA 23 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc.
MUNICIPAL, GOVERNMENT & CORPORATE APPOINTMENTS, CONTRACTS, ACCOUNTS 2022 to present: Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, after hours response, Santa Cruz, CA 2016 - present: San Jose Unified School District, wildlife control, San Jose, CA 2014 - present: Pajaro Valley Unified School District, wildlife control, Watsonville, CA 2013 - present: Elkhorn Slough Foundation, misc wildlife, Royal Oaks, CA 2022: City of Watsonville, coyote control, Watsonville Airport, Watsonville, CA 2022: University of California Santa Cruz, mesopredator consulting, Santa Cruz, CA 2021: City of Monterey, Presidio of Monterey, wildlife control, Monterey, CA 2020: Santa Cruz County, Court House, wildlife control, Santa Cruz, CA 2019: Edwards Air Force Base, wildlife control, Edwards Air Force Base, CA 2019: California State Parks, Wilder Ranch, wildlife control, Santa Cruz, CA 2018: Santa Cruz County, Court House, wildlife control, Santa Cruz, CA 2019: California State Parks, Monterey Historic Parks, wildlife control, Santa Cruz, CA 2018: Talk: Living With Urban Coyotes, hosted by the City of San Gabriel, CA 2018: Talk: Living With Wildlife , hosted by the City of Hidden Hills, CA 2018: Talk: Living With Wildlife , hosted by the City of Arroyo Grande, CA 2018: California State Parks, Point Lobos, wildlife control, Santa Cruz, CA 2017: PG&E, site 108404, wildlife control, Santa Cruz, CA 2017: Talk: Living with Urban Coyotes , hosted by Councilman Chappi Jones, San Jose, CA 2015 to 2018: CA Dept Fish and Wildlife, Predator Policy Workgroup, CA 2016: Talk: Living with Urban Coyotes , hosted by Councilman Tim Goodrich, Torrance, CA 2015: PG&E, Point Moretti Substation, wildlife control, Santa Cruz, CA 2015: Talk: Living With Urban Coyotes , sponsored by Long Beach Animal Control, Long Beach, CA 2012: City of Monterey, Building 637, wildlife control, Monterey, CA 2002 to 2004: CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife, Wildlife Rehabilitation Committee, CA 1998 - 2000: California State Parks, land lease agreement, Calabasas, CA 1996 - 2000 Marine Mammal Response, contract, City of Malibu, CA 1987: Animal Control Officer, Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control , Agoura, CA 1983 - 1989: Reserve Officer, Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, Agoura CA
SPECIAL TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
2022: Advanced Wildlife Control Operator Training, Ntl Wildlife Control Operators Assn 2022: Wildlife Control Operator Training, National Wildlife Control Operators Assn 2021: Coyote Workshop, Fish and Game Commission, Webinar 2021: Vertebrate Pest Council Workshop, Vertebrate Pest Council, Webinar 2020: Vertebrate Pest Conference, Vertebrate Pest Council, Santa Barbara, CA 2019: Vertebrate Pest Council Workshop, Vertebrate Pest Council, Sacramento, CA 2019: Rodents I - Behavior and Tracking, EPA Center for IPM, Webinar 2017: The Wildlife Society / Int’l Urban Wildlife Conference, San Diego, CA 2016: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators annual symposium, Fresno, CA 24 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 2013: Nuisance Wildlife Trapping Webinar, State Humane Assn. of California 2013: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium, Murfreesboro, TN 2013: Nuisance Wildlife Trapping, webinar presented by State Humane Association. 2013: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium, Portland, OR 2012: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators annual symposium Yosemite, CA 2012: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium, Baton Rouge, LA 2011: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council annual symposium, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2010: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium, Bellevue, WA 2009: Effects of Oil on Wildlife, Tallinn, Estonia
2008: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council annual symposium, Napa, CA 2007: Effects of Oil on Wildlife conference, hosted by OWCN & IBRRC, Monterey, CA 2007: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Rehabilitator’s Certification 2004: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council annual symposium, Portland, OR 2003: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council annual symposium, Chicago, IL 2003: Effects of Oil on Wildlife conference, hosted by IFAW & IBRRC, Hamburg, Germany 2003: 24 Hours HAZWOPER, Hazard Communication Course 1001, San Luis Obispo, CA 2002: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators annual symposium, San Diego, CA 2002: ATV Safety Institute Rider Course, Rancho Cordova, CA 2002: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium, St. Louis , MO 2001: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council annual symposium, Orlando, FL 2001: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators annual conference, Fremont, CA 2001: Oiled Wildlife Care Network Advanced Training, San Pedro, CA 2001: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium, Lake Tahoe, NV 2000: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council annual symposium, Montreal, Quebec 2000: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators annual symposium, Newport Beach, CA 1999: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council annual symposium, Tucson, AZ 1999: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators annual symposium, Sacramento, CA 1998: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium, Seattle, WA 1998: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators annual symposium, San Rafael, CA 1998: Bird Deterrence Workshop by USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, Sacramento, CA 1997: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators annual conference, Morro Bay, CA 1995: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Basic Skills, Klamath Falls, OR 1995: 40 hours HAZWOPER training, Seattle, WA
1994: 24 hours HAZWOPER training, Department of Fish and Wildlife-OSPR. 1993: 16 hours OSHA / Post Emergency Oil Spill Response Training 1993: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association annual symposium, Sacramento, CA 1991 - 1993: Volunteer position with the International Bird Rescue and Research Center 1992 - 1993: The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, CA - Extensive hands-on training 1992: Shelter Management and Operations, Disaster Preparedness, Wildlife Handling , American Humane Association Conference, San Diego, CA
1992: UC Davis Wildlife Health, Oil Spill and Wildlife Emergency Response Conference. 25 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 1986: Handling of Exotics , Los Angeles SPCA
PERMITS LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
2020 to present: QualityPro / GreenPro Certification (for Humane Wildlife Control Inc.), NPMA 2015 to present: Pest Control License issued by California Dept. of Pesticide Regulation 2015 to present: Dept. of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicators License 135684 2013 to present: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Special Purpose Education/Salvage MB05124B 2012 to present: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Rehabilitation MB794662 2011 to 2012: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Special Purpose Relocate MB38756A 2007: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Wildlife Rehabilitation Certification 1994 to present: 24-Hour HAZWOPER Certification
2004 - 2008: NOAA NMFS Marine Mammal Stranding (Malibu) 2000 - present: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Special Purpose MB794662 1998: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Rehabilitation (The California Wildlife Center) 1998: California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Rehabilitation (The California Wildlife Center) 1994 - 1998: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Special Purpose (individual permit) 1989 - 1995: California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Rehabilitation (individual permit) 1981: California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Rehabilitation (Animal Rescue Care Center)
CONFERENCE ACTIVITY AND PARTICIPATION
TALKS, WORKSHOPS TRAININGS AND PAPERS PRESENTED
2022: Responding to Wildlife Emergencies, CalAnimal, NACA sponsored (online) 2020: Wildlife Search & Rescue , Wetlands & Wildlife, Huntington Beach, CA 2020: Holistic Solutions for Nuisance Wildlife, Poster, Vert Pest Conf, Santa Barbara, CA 2020: Barn Owl Nest Box Construction, Poster, Vert Pest Conf, Santa Barbara, CA 2020: CO for Control of Ground Squirrels and Gophers, Vert Pest Conf, Santa Barbara, CA 2020: Holistic Solutions for Nuisance Wildlife, PAPA Seminar, Napa, CA 2019: Holistic Solutions for Nuisance Wildlife, PAPA Seminar, Sacramento, CA 2019: No-Poison Rodent Control , Ntl Environmental Health Assn P.E.S.T. conf. (online) 2019: Use of Carbon Monoxide to Control Ground Squirrels , NEHA P.E.S.T. conf. (online) 2019: Barn Owls for Natural Rodent Control, EPA Center for IPM (online) 2019: Use of Carbon Monoxide to Control Ground Squirrels , PAPA Seminar, Salinas, CA 2019: Barn Owls for Natural Rodent Control, Marina Garden Club, Marina, CA 2019: Answering the Call of the Wild , CA Animal Welfare Assn conference, San Jose, CA 2019: Exclusion and Eviction of Mammals and Birds, PAPA Seminar, Anaheim, CA 2019: Use of Carbon Monoxide to Control Ground Squirrels , PAPA Seminar, Anaheim, CA 2019: No-Poison Rodent Control , PAPA Seminar, Stockton, CA 2018: Rodent Exclusion and Eviction , AgSafe Seminar, Fresno, CA 2018: Exclusion and Eviction in Vertebrate Pest Control, PAPA Seminar, Anaheim, CA 2018: Rodent Exclusion and Eviction, PAPA Seminar, Napa, CA 2018: Exclusion and Eviction in Vertebrate Pest Control, PAPA Seminar, Santa Maria, CA 26 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 2018: Using Barn Owls to Control Rodents Naturally, PAPA Seminar, Santa Maria, CA 2018: Using Barn Owls to Control Rodents Naturally , PAPA Seminar, Modesto, CA 2018: Commensal Rodent Eviction and Exclusion , PAPA Seminar, Modesto, CA 2018: Using Barn Owls to Control Rodents Naturally , PAPA Seminar, Anaheim, CA 2018: Ethical Wildlife Control , National Wildlife Rehabilitators Assn, Anaheim, CA 2017: Making a Killing Without Killing , Wildlife Society Inl. Urban Wildlife Conf. San Diego, CA 2016: Wildlife Search & Rescue , California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators, Fresno, CA 2016: Wildlife Search & Rescue , Clovis Police Department, Clovis CA 2016: Making a Killing Without Killing, Vertebrate Pest Conference, Newport Beach, CA 2015: Living Among Carnivores, California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators, Sacramento, CA 2015: Making a Killing , California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators, Sacramento, CA 2015: Wildlife SAR Fundamentals , National Wildlife Rehabilitators Assn, Princeton, NJ 2015: Tips on Capturing Flighted Birds , National Wildlife Rehabilitators Assn, Princeton, NJ 2013: Wildlife Capture and Handling , National Wildlife Rehabilitators Assn, Portland, OR 2013: Reuniting Wildlife , National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, Portland, OR 2012: Reuniting and Wild-Fostering , National Wildlife Rehabilitators Assn, Baton Rouge, LA 2012: Reuniting Wild Birds , California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators, Yosemite, CA 2011: Reuniting Raptors , International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2010: Reuniting, Re-nesting and Wild-Fostering , Panel,NWRA, Bellevue, WA 2009: Oiled Wildlife Capture Techniques Workshop, Effects of Oil on Wildlife, Tallinn, Estonia. 2009: Oiled Wildlife Handling, Transport, First Aid, Effects of Oil on Wildlife, Tallinn, Estonia 2008: Reuniting Young , Panel, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Napa, CA 2007: Avian Capture Techniques , Effects of Oil on Wildlife, Monterey, CA 2003: Wildlife Capture Techniques , International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Portland, OR 2003: On The Write Track , International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Portland, OR 2003: Shape Shifting, Spinning, and the Art of Hotline Operations , IWRC, Chicago, IL 2003: Avian Capture Techniques , Effects Of Oil on Wildlife, Hamburg, Germany 2002: Training Agency Personnel , National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association, St. Louis, MO 2001: On The Write Track , International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Orlando, FL 2001: Emergency Response for Veterinarians, and Agency Personnel , IWRC, Orlando, FL 2001: Rehab and the Wildlife Paramedic – Saving Lives , CCWR, Fremont, CA 2001: Wildlife Emergency Response , National Wildlife Rehabilitators Assn, Lake Tahoe, NV 2000: This is Wildlife Rescue, How May We Help You , IWRC, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 1999: Wildlife Paramedics: The Benefits First Responders , CCWR, Sacramento, CA
OTHER PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
2020: Living With Wildlife , Malibu Bluffs Park, Malibu, CA 2019: Living With Wildlife and Barn Owls for Natural Rodent Control , Ojai Library, Ojai, CA 2019: Living With Urban Coyotes, hosted by the Aromas Grange, Aromas, CA 2019: Living With Wildlife, hosted by the Pebble Beach Garden Club, Pebble Beach, CA 2017: Living With Wildlife: Barn Owls , Carmel Valley Garden Club, Carmel Valley, CA 27 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 2017: Living With Wildlife: Gopher , Carmel Valley Garden Club, Carmel Valley, CA 2017: Living with Urban Coyotes , Point Dume Community, Malibu, CA 2017: Living With Wildlife , U.C. Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Cnt, Incline Village, NV 2017: The American Barn Owl , hosted by the Haute Enchilada, Moss Landing CA 2016: Living With Wildlife , Aromas Grange, Aromas, CA 2016: Living with Urban Coyotes , Capitola Community Center, CA 2016: Living with Urban Coyotes , Carson City Parks and Rec, Carson City, NV 2016: Living with Urban Coyotes , Trail Safe Nevada, Reno, NV 2015: Non-Lethal Solutions to Urban Wildlife Conflicts , CA Fish & Game Commission Wildlife Resource Committee, Los Angeles, CA
PUBLICATIONS
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
2000: Wildlife Paramedics: The Benefits of Being the First Responders to Wildlife Emergencies , International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Conference Proceedings.
BOOKS
2012: Wildlife Search and Rescue, a guide for first responders. Wiley Blackwell, UK APPS
2015: WildHelp , V1, mobile application for iOS
UNPUBLISHED
2014: Co-Author, Recommended Best Practices for Response, Care and Re-Wilding of Mountain Lions in California .
2007: Co-Author, The Bear Dreamer , the story of Timothy Treadwell
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATIONS
▪ Humane Wildlife Control Association
▪ National Pest Management Association
▪ National Wildlife Control Operators Association
▪ National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
▪ Professional Women in Pest Management
AWARDS, HONORS, COMMENDATIONS
28 Manhattan Beach Coyote Survey July 2022 | Humane Wildlife Control, Inc. 2021: Commendation, California State Senator John Laird 2020: Integrated Pest Management Achievement Award, Dept of Pesticide Regulation (virtual) 2015: Los Angeles Animal Services, Certificate of Appreciation for Providing Wildlife Search & Rescue Training to the Employees of LA Animal Services
2012: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Certificate of Appreciation for Wildlife Rescue and Community Liaison
2012: California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators, Certificate of Recognition for 31 Years of Service and Dedication in Wildlife Rehabilitation
2004: CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife, Certificate In Recognition of Volunteer Services. 2002: CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife, Certificate of Appreciation for Exceeding 20 Years In Wildlife Rehabilitation
2002: California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Award in Recognition of Dedicated Service. 1999: Golden Rule Award Finalist for exceptional volunteer service. 1998: Golden Rule Award Finalist for exceptional volunteer service. 1998: Citizen of the Year, Dolphin Award, Malibu, CA
1998: L A County Commendation for dedicated service.
1997: L A County Commendation for volunteer emergency assistance during 1996 wildfires. 1993: L A County Animal Care and Control Commendation for volunteer emergency services. 1992: Webster Elementary School PTSA, Malibu, CA, Recognition for lectures on wildlife.
OTHER
Expert Witness with testifying experience on wildlife behavior and capture techniques 29