AR 9 SUPP CORR PART 1 CORRESPONDENCE — Pasadena City Council, July 17, 2023

McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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-;m> Lupita Solano
Thursday, July 13, 2023 7:39 PM
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I do NOT support the killing of coyotes in my community I
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Good evening,
I do NOT support the killing of coyotes in my community. It is abhorrent to think a few people think it is a solution. We have completely annihilated their habitat through development. Just because some homeowners have lost their pets to them, doesnt mean its the ethical thing to do. I think people need to take better care of their pets instead of killing fauna that deserve to exist in habitat that we occupy.

Lupita Solano
Wildlife Biologist
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 Mc^4illan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Jennifer Ho <
Thursday, July 13, 2023 8:55 PM
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7/17 City Council Meeting - Agenda Item #9: Oppose 'Coyote Trapping' Options CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you fcnowthe content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....

Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council:

Growing up in Pasadena, I did not recognize or appreciate the beauty of our local ecology. Now, as a UC California Naturalist, I better understand the interconnectedness of our human health to the health of all other species, and I am writing to oppose the Coyote Trapping options to coyote management.

Reasons:
• Scientific research proves that lethal measures are ineffective and result in an endless trap-and-kill cycle at great taxpayer expense
• Trapping of any kind can be extraordinarily painful and stressful for any wild species.

Instead of a lethal approach, I urge you to commit to implementing a humane coyote-management^pjan that can provide long-term results. As an idea, it could be worthwhile to increase public outreach services/education and/orcreate_stydy circles-made up of diverse groups of residents of all ages and wildlife experts at organizations like the Pasadena Humane Society-to discuss this topic and come up with the best solution forward.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing this important topic in coming up with a plan that respects our wildlife kin in a human-built environment.

Sincerely,
Jennifer H.
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Karen Pedersen
Friday, July 14, 2023 8:56 AM
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Control of coyotes
;>
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Please do NOT implement lethal methods to try and reduce the number of coyotes. Not only is snaring and gassing hideously inhumane, it will FAIL over time to accomplish the goal.

For many years it's been proven that extermination techniques do not work to reduce animal populations. More animals just come in to claim the now-vacant territory. This is called the "vacuum effect," and it is well known in feral cat abatement situations. Instead, use Trap, neuter, release (TNR) or contraceptive additives to baited food. Sterilization works. There is chemical birth control and surgical means. Both are humane and effective techniques.

Thank you.

Karen Pedersen
Los Angeles CA 90065
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Diana Barnes <
Friday, July 14, 2023 11:s/AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
TO Steve Madison, as his email address is not published to his district. jjl
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In a futile effort to locate my Councilman, Steve Madison's email address (quite odd that it is located nowhere on the City website!), I will send my letter to this address in hopes that it will reach him. I live at 370 Sequoia Drive, 91105 and have for 23 years. I have 2 cats.

The very idea that a city as sophisticated as Pasadena once was, would consider killing coyotes, much less the proposed method of doing so, underscores the lack of empathy and compassion that has now infiltrated humanity. It is barbaric. We are not hillbillies! California is not Arkansas or Texas! Trapping and killing coyotes is cruel and ineffective.

Despite spending $80,000 of taxpayer money on a program that includes lethal methods, there are no fewer coyotes in Torrance now than before the program began. •Coyotes fiercely defend their territory, but when one or both of a pack's leaders are removed, individuals from the surrounding area quickly fill the vacancy, sometimes increasing the density of coyotes in the area.

There are many humane, impactful measures that could be implemented at little or no cost to the city, including cleaning up the trash throughout the Arroyo area and beyond, providing wildlife-resistant trash cans in and around the Arroyo and elsewhere, removing fallen fruit, and directing residents to keep their domestic cats indoors (for the good of the cats and other wildlife as well).

The responsible and humane thing for the city to do is to adopt the recommendations researched and written by the city's own health department.

I have lived here for over 25 years and coyotes come with the land! In the hills of San Rafael, we know this. If people do not want nature, they should move to the City Center. Better yet, keep their domestic pets INDOORS as every responsible pet parent does!
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Diana Barnes (db)
Chief Brand Officer & Creative Director
7/17/2023
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2 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Randi Feilich <
Friday, July 14,2023 11:40 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse; Jomsky, Mark
Carmona, Manuel; [email protected]
July 17 City Council Agenda Item 9. REQUEST FOR DIRECTION TO RESPOND TO CONCERNS RELATED TO HUMAN-COYOTE INTERACTIONS (Public Health Dept.) Recommendation
httpswww.cityofcalabasas.comhomeshowpublisheddocument2617638215601308770000.pd f
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Dear Mayor Gordon and City Council Members:

RE: July 17 City Council Agenda Item 9. REQUEST FOR DIRECTION TO RESPOND TO CONCERNS RELATED TO HUMAN-COYOTE INTERACTIONS (Public Health Dept.) Recommendation I am a resident in the City of Calabasas. In 201 1, our Calabasas City Council unanimously voted to prohibit the use of city funds to trap coyotes and instead adopted a plan that shifted the focus from killing to public education and outreach. This included long-term education, reduction of wildlife attractants, and implementing hazing for habituated coyotes. The City of Calabasas put forth educational resources , of which one is attached.

Snare trapping of coyotes and other wildlife is not only cruel and inhumane, scientific research proves that the killing of coyotes does not work to control coyote populations, but rather will increase their reproductive rate, resulting in higher coyote populations very quickly. This is not an effective long term solution. As an alternative, the City of Pasadena should invest in educational webinars and outreach to enable Pasadena residents on how to safeguard their pets and family with wildlife neighbors.

Safety tips include:

Do not feed coyotes. Their life and your safety depend on coyotes remaining wild and naturally wary of people.

Remove attractants such as bird feeders, keep bar-b-ques clean, pick up trash, fallen fruit, and feed pets inside.

Replace old trash cans with self closing lid containers to keep wildlife away.

Do not leave pet food or pets outside at night. Keep pet doors closed at night.

Walk dogs on leashes at all times. Pick up your small dog if you see a coyote and do not let your small pets roam freely.

Clear away dense bushes and weeds. These can become coyote dens if not maintained.

Coyotes are naturally fearful of humans. If approached by a coyote, wave your arms, and make loud noises. Use air horns, whistles and pop-up umbrellas if needed.

I respectfully urge you to adopt the Public Health's Agenda Report Recommendation of the 5 steps, which include:

1. Increase public outreach services.

2. Improve local coyote reporting systems.

3. Convene a panel of coyote experts to improve our collective understanding of 7/17/2023 effective approaches. Item 9
1 4. Hire a consultant to conduct a field study where community concerns are heightened.

5. Support residents to strengthen their properties against coyote intrusion.

Thank you kindly.

Sincerely,
Randi Feilich
2 City of Calabasaswww.cityofcalabasas.com/coyotes
Project Coyotewww.projectcoyote.org
Department of Fish and Gamewww.dfg.ca.gov
Na�onal Park Serviceswww.nps.gov/index.htm
California Wildlife Centerwww.cawildlife.org
City of CalabasasEnvironmental Services100 Civic Center WayCalabasas, CA 91302Phone: (818)224-1600www.cityofcalabasas.com Consistency is the most eﬀec�ve means to establishing appropriate human/coyote interac�ons.

Remove all sources of food. Keep trash and compost inaccessible. Pick up fallen fruit in yard. Clean under bird feeders.

Keep pets inside at night (or in a completely enclosed kennel) when coyotes are more ac�ve.

Maintain fences so coyotes cannot slip underneath. Add deterrents to tops of fences to reduce a coyote's ability to pull themselves over. Coyote rollers and wire extensions can discourage animals from breaching fences.

Install mo�on ac�vated lights. Keep lights on when pets are outside.

Visually inspect your yard before allowing any pets outside.

Trim vegeta�on to eliminate hiding places and increase yard visibility.

Contact Department of Fish and Game if the following occurs:
a. Coyote bi�ng a person or a�acking a cat or dog.
b. Person feeding coyote, accidentally or purposely. c. Coyotes feeding on open trashcans and/or dumpsters at local area businesses.

LivingwithUrbanCoyotes
LivingwithUrbanCoyotes
AP Photo / Janet Kessler

Living with coyotes is a controversial topic. Ci�es have created a ƵniƋƵe habitat͕ rich in resoƵrces ;Ĩood͕ ǁater and shelterͿ ǁhile elimina�ng large predators. Certain species like the coyote adapted as a neǁ Ƶrban ecosystem developed. Today͕ mƵl�ple genera�ons oĨ oﬀspring have been born in ci�es. Weople͕ hoƵses͕ pets͕ cars and more are a normal part oĨ their lives. n Ƶrban coyote is comĨortable sƵrviving in an Ƶrban environment. then coyotes associate people ǁith Ĩood͕ it redƵces their ǁariness in interac�ng ǁith people and pets. IĨ nothing nega�ve happens to the coyotes͕ they become more comĨortable aroƵnd people. hna�ended pets are no diﬀerent to Ƶrban coyotes than any other animal in their territory. tithoƵt hƵman protec�on pets can be treated like poten�al prey or as compe��on Ĩor resoƵrces. Wets oŌen donΖt have the ability to protect themselves like other ǁild animals do. Wet inũƵry or loss is the biggest soƵrce oĨ conŇict betǁeen hƵmans and coyotes. Concern over increasing coyote popƵla�on siǌe is common. The nƵmber oĨ animals ĨoƵnd in an area is directly related to the amoƵnt oĨ resoƵrces available. IĨ resoƵrces do not change and animals are removed͕ then the popƵla�on rapidly reboƵnds. &or more inĨorma�on͕ please read the City oĨ Calabasas Coyote Danagement Wlan at www.cityofcalabasas.com/coyotes Human Safety:

Teach children to never approach or Ĩeed Ez strange animal.

Eever ignore͕ tƵrn yoƵr back or rƵn Ĩrom a coyote;sͿ.

Carry a ǁalking s�ck or a noisemaker at night or dƵring early morning hoƵrs iĨ walking with pets ;Coyotes are more likely to approach someone ǁith a petͿ. ,aǌe or harass a coyote;sͿ Ƶn�l it chooses to leave the sitƵa�on ;itΖs KK iĨ it doesnΖt rƵnͿ. >et neighbors and Ĩriends knoǁ coyotes have been seen in the area. &ile a Coyote
ncoƵnter Kbserva�on Zeport on the city͛s ǁebsite at www.cityofcalabasas.com/coyotes Contact the CaliĨornia epartment oĨ &ish and 'ame ;ǁǁǁ.dĨg.ca.govͿ iĨ a hƵman is a�acked and call yoƵr local emergency services Ĩor assistance.

Pet Safety:

Keep cats saĨely indoors͕ especially ǁhen dark.

Keep pets on a leash. ^hort leashes are saĨer than long ones.

Check yoƵr yard beĨore leƫng pets oƵtdoors. Coyotes ǁill some�mes hide in yards.

Change yoƵr roƵ�ne͕ coyotes learn neighborhood habits. &or eǆample͕ donΖt let yoƵr pet oƵt every morning at ϱ am. on͛t go oƵtdoors ǁith small dogs͕ especially aŌer dark.

Close pet doors aŌer dark.
onΖt let dogs play ǁith or chase aŌer coyotes.
onΖt Ĩeed pets or ǁild animals oƵtside.
e aǁare that coyotes live in parks and Ƶndeveloped areas and act accordingly. &amily groƵps are very protec�ve oĨ pƵps and coyotes are eǆcellent parents alloǁing most pƵps to sƵrvive to adƵlthood. >i�er siǌe depends on the amoƵnt oĨ resoƵrces available and the nƵmber oĨ coyotes in the territory.

Coyote behavior changes as they ΗhabitƵateΗ͕ or get Ƶsed to living ǁith people. They can be seen more ĨreƋƵently dƵring the day�me͕ in neighborhoods and even in bƵsy parks. ^ome coyotes learn to beg or scavenge in yards Ĩor ĨrƵit͕ rodents͕ bird seed͕ open trash and compost. www.komar.org
Easim DansƵrov

McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Lynsey White <' . r9>
Friday, July 14, 2023 1:39 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse; Gordo, Victor
Jenny Berg
Recommendations for Pasadena's Coyote/Urban Wildlife Management Plan HSUS Coyote Mgt Plan 2020.pdf
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Dear Mayor Gordo & Council Members,
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organization, would like to commend the City of Pasadena on your existing coyote/urban wildlife management plan, passed in 2019. This plan (which closely resembles our attached template coyote management plan) is based on the best available science in effective solutions for both preventing and solving conflicts with coyotes. We have worked with many communities across the U.S., including many in southern California, to develop and pass similar plans, which have been effective for solving their conflicts with coyotes.

We also commend the very thorough and thoughtful summary of the issue given by the Public Health Department in the staff report, "Request for Direction to Respond to Concerns Related to Human-Coyote Interactions and the 5 recommendations given in the report. Recommendation #5 in particular is a quite innovative and smart recommendation for helping to reduce the number of coyote attacks on pets! All 5 of these recommendations, if implemented, will help to reduce the number of attacks on pets in the City of Pasadena, and we applaud the thoughtfulness behind these suggestions.

We very much hope that the council will vote to accept the recommendations made by the Public Health Department in the staff report, and not pursue the amendment of the urban wildlife management plan to include a coyote trapping program.

As the staff report explained so well, coyote killing programs are neither effective for reducing coyote populations, nor for solving conflicts. Coyote trapping programs do not solve the root causes of conflicts between people and coyotes (which include unattended pets and intentional and unintentional feeding). They also do not change the behavior of problem coyotes, as hazing can. Finally, coyote killing programs do not reduce coyote populations, due to the compensatory reproduction that coyotes exhibit after killing programs. The data from Torrance seems to prove that trapping and killing coyotes is just a waste of community funds!
We would love to continue to refer to the City of Pasadena as a role model when working with other communities across the country experiencing conflicts with coyotes (and other wildlife), and hope that you will not amend your Urban Wildlife Management Plan to include year-round or seasonal coyote trapping programs.

We thank you for your time and would additionally like to offer our assistance and expertise on this issue or any other wildlife-related matters. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Lynsey White
Director, Humane Wildlife Conflict Resolution
Pronouns: she/her
lwhite@ humanesocietv.org
humanesocietv.ora
^"*'.*&*rTHE HUMANE S&CIETV
OFTHlUNITIOSTWtS7/17/2023
Item 9
1 Fight for alt animals. The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's most effective animal protection organization, fighting for all animals for more than 60 years. To support our work, please make a monthly donation, aive in another wav or volunteer. 2 Solving Problems with Coyotes

A template conflict management plan

CONTENTS

CONTENTS ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 1 HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................ .................... 3 INTRODUCTION AND GOALS ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 4 THE COYOTE ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 5 Ecological importance ................................................................................................................................ 5 General biology, reproduction and behavior ........................................................................................ 6 COYOTE ATTRACTANTS IN URBAN AREAS ................................ ................................ ....................... 7 COYOTE COEXISTENCE STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES ................................ .............................. 9 Monitoring and collecting data ................................................................................................................. 9 Human-coyote conflict definitions .......................................................................................................... 9 Education and outreach ........................................................................................................................... 10 Hazing: an intervention technique ......................................................................................................... 10 Lethal control ............................................................................................................................................. 11 Local ordinances ........................................................................................................................................ 12 HUMAN-COYOTE CONFLICT CLASSIFICATION AND RECOMMENDED RESPONSES ............... 13 APPENDICES ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 15 Coyote incident report form ................................................................................................................... 15

Definitions: .................................................................................................................................................. 16 Guidelines for implementing a community-based hazing program ............................................... 17 Creating a volunteer hazing team .......................................................................................................... 17 Coyote hazing tips for success ............................................................................................................... 17 Coyote yard audit checklist ..................................................................................................................... 19 Example coyote resolution ...................................................................................................................... 20

Solving Problems with Coyotes 3
This coyote management and coexistence plan has been
prepared by the Humane Society of the United States
for use by communities (including, but not limited to,
cities, villages, towns, counties, homeowners
associations, etc.) in humanely and effectively
preventing and solving conflicts among coyotes, people
and companion animals. The information in this plan has been gathered from scientific and peer-reviewed
articles, from experts in the field of human-coyote
conflict resolution, and from successful coyote
management plans across the U.S. We invite you to use
this plan as your own or modify it as necessary to suit the needs of your community.

Acknowledgements
The HSUS would like to specially thank Paula-Marie
Lewis, a Ph.D. student at Griffith University, Australia, for her work in the creation of this management plan.

We would also like to acknowledge the following coyote
management plans, which helped to influence the ideas
and guidelines presented in this plan:
 City and County of Broomfield (CO) Coexistence
with Wildlife Policy
 City of Calabasas (CA) Coyote Management Plan
 City of Centennial (CO) Coyote Management Plan
 City of Davis (CA) Coyote Management and
Coexistence Plan
 City and County of Denver (CO) Coyote
Management Plan
 Portland (OR)-Vancouver (BC) Model Coyote
Management Policy
 Village of Riverside (IL) Coyote Home Audit
Checklist
 City of Wheaton (IL) Coyote Policy

How to use this template coyote
management plan

4 Solving Problems with Coyotes
The goal of this template coyote management and
coexistence plan is to provide a program for reducing
human-coyote conflicts while prioritizing human safety.

The suggested actions outlined in this plan are designed to increase citizens’ knowledge and understanding of
how coyotes behave and make clear how such behavior
can be managed to reduce or eliminate conflicts with
coyotes.

This coyote management and coexistence plan is based
on scientific research, a thorough understanding of
coyote ecology and biology in urban settings, and the
best known management practices and management
tools. This plan is guided by the following basic
principles:

1. Human safety is a priority in managing human-
coyote interactions.

2. Coyotes serve an important role in ecosystems by
helping to control the population of rodents,
Canada geese, rabbits and other urban mammals.

3. Preventive practices such as reduction and removal
of food attractants, habitat modification and
responding appropriately when interacting with
wildlife are key to minimizing potential interactions
with coyotes.

4. Solutions for coyote conflicts must address both
problematic coyote behaviors (such as aggression
toward people and attacks on pets) and the
problematic human behaviors (intentionally or
unintentionally feeding coyotes and letting pets
outside unattended) that contribute to conflicts.

5. Non-selective coyote removal programs are
ineffective for reducing coyote population sizes or
preventing human-coyote conflicts.

6. A community-wide program that involves residents
is necessary for achieving coexistence among
people, coyotes and pets.

Introduction and goals

Solving Problems with Coyotes 5
Due to their intelligence and adaptability—in addition to extensive urbanization and the subsequent decline of
larger predators—coyotes have successfully expanded
their range across North America. Coyotes are now
found in all states in the U.S. except Hawaii and have
become well established in nearly every ecosystem.

They live in deserts, swamps, tundra and grasslands,
brush, dense forests, cities and suburbs. People can live among coyotes yet never see them. Often it’s only an
evening chorus or group howling and yipping that alerts us to the presence of this wild canid in our
neighborhoods. It is important to keep in mind that
coyotes have been interacting with and adapting to
people for at least the last 100 years.

ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
Coyotes are curious, smart and adaptable creatures and
our urban areas provide the perfect balance of food,
shelter and water for them. What you may not know is
that even in fragmented and urbanized landscapes,
coyotes can play an integral role in their environment by providing ecosystem services and helping to maintain
species diversity. Coyotes in urban areas not only
provide free rodent control by feeding on mice and rats, but also help to regulate the population size of other
species that may cause conflicts with people in urban
areas (such as voles, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and Canada geese).

The coyote

6 Solving Problems with Coyotes

GENERAL BIOLOGY, REPRODUCTION

AND BEHAVIOR
Appearance and signs: Most coyotes weigh
approximately 25-35 pounds, although their long legs
and thick fur make them appear larger. Coyote fur
varies in color from gray-brown to yellow-gray. They
have a black-tipped tail which helps to distinguish them from other canids such as foxes. Coyotes also have
yellow/amber eyes (which help to distinguish them from
domestic dogs), large ears and narrow, pointed muzzles
(which help to distinguish them from wolves).

Since coyotes are naturally very skittish and afraid of humans, they are rarely seen. Thus, their signs
(including prints, scat and vocalizations) may be a better indicator of their presence. Coyote prints are similar to those of a domestic dog’s, but are usually observed in a straight line (as opposed to the meandering path of
domestic dog tracks). More commonly, coyote howling
or other vocalizations may be heard. Coyotes produce a
variety of sounds (including howls, barks, whines and
yips) to communicate with one another and defend
their territory. Small groups of two or three coyotes can distort their voices and sound like a group of 20.

Coyotes also use scat (feces) to communicate by
depositing it in the middle of a trail or on the edge of their territory. Coyote scat is similar to dog scat in size and appearance, but unlike dog scat, it is rope-like and typically filled with hairs, seeds and bones.

Diet: Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores with great
flexibility in their diet. They generally hunt small
mammals such as mice, rats, voles, rabbits and prairie
dogs, but will also eat fruit and berries and will even scavenge road-killed animals. In urban areas, coyotes
are also known to eat pet food, unsecured garbage and
compost. They may also prey on unattended domestic
pets such as cats and small dogs if given the
opportunity. This does not indicate a danger to humans, but is rather a natural coyote behavior. This behavior
can be prevented by reducing human-associated food
attractants in urban areas and not letting pets outside unattended (unless protected by a coyote-proof
enclosure or fence).

Social structure : Most coyotes (called resident
coyotes) live in family groups with one breeding pair
and three to four other related individuals. Coyotes do not hunt in packs, but work together to defend their
territory from other coyote family groups. Other
coyotes (called transient coyotes) live alone or as an
isolated mated pair.

Coyotes mate once per year during their breeding
season (which occurs from January through March).

During the pup season (April through August), the
breeding pair will give birth to pups (typically in April or May). Litter size depends on available resources and the number of coyotes in the area. The average litter size is four to seven pups. Coyotes will place their pups in a
den for the first 6 weeks, after which the pups will learn to hunt with their parents. Coyote dens are found in
steep banks, rock crevices and underbrush, as well as in open areas. During dispersal season (September
through December), the pups from the previous year
(yearlings) will leave the family group and become
transient coyotes in search of a new home range.

Habitat: Coyotes are naturally diurnal (most active at
dawn and dusk), but often shift to more nocturnal
activity in urban and suburban areas in an effort to
avoid people. Coyotes prefer open space and natural
preserve areas over human-dominated landscapes, but
are extremely adept at living in proximity to people.

Coyotes thrive in these areas because food, water and
shelter are abundant.

Home range sizes vary for each individual coyote.

Research has shown that home range sizes for resident
coyotes average 2–5 square miles, while transient
coyotes have larger home ranges (averaging 10 square
miles). Home range size can be an important indicator
of resource distribution and abundance and also may
correlate with population density.

Solving Problems with Coyotes 7
Coyotes are drawn to urban and suburban areas for the
following reasons:

1. Food. Urban areas provide a bounty of natural food
choices for coyotes, who primarily eat rodents such
as mice and rats. 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 yards.

Intentional and unintentional feeding can lead
coyotes to associate humans with sources of food,
which can result in negative interactions among
coyotes, people and pets. To reduce food
attractants in urban and suburban areas:
 Never hand-feed or otherwise deliberately feed
a coyote.
 Avoid feeding pets outside. Remove sources of
pet food and water. If feeding pets outside is
necessary, remove the bowl and any leftover
food promptly.
 Never compost any meat or dairy (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 the cans curbside the
morning of collection. If you leave trash cans
out overnight, they are more likely to be tipped
over and broken into.
 Bag especially attractive food wastes such as
meat scraps or leftover pet food. If it is several
days before garbage will be picked up, freeze
the food temporarily or take it to a dumpster or
other secure storage container.

2. Water. Urban areas provide a year-round supply of
water in the form of storm water impoundments
and channels, artificial lakes, irrigation, pet water
dishes, etc., which support both coyotes and their
prey.
 In dry conditions, water can be as alluring as
food, so remove water bowls set outside for
pets and make watering cans unavailable.

3. Access to shelter. Parks, greenbelts, open spaces,
golf courses, buildings, sheds, decks and crawl
spaces, etc., increase the amount and variability of
cover for coyotes. They allow coyotes to safely and
easily remain close to people, pets, homes and
businesses without detection.
 In the spring, when coyotes give birth and
begin to raise young, they concentrate their
activities around dens or burrows in which
their young are sheltered. Coyotes may take
advantage of available spaces under sheds or
decks for use as a den, bringing them into close
contact with people and pets.

4. Unattended pets. Pets are a normal part of an
urban landscape. Within their territory, coyotes may
consider pets as potential prey or potential
competitors. Free-roaming pets , especially cats and
sometimes small dogs, may attract coyotes into
neighborhoods. The best way to minimize risk to
pets is to not leave them outside unattended.
 Cats. Coyotes primarily eat small mammals such
as mice and rats, but will also prey on slightly
larger mammals such as rabbits and
groundhogs. Approximately the same size as a
groundhog or rabbit, free-roaming outdoor cats
may also be seen as eligible prey items by
coyotes. It is important to note that attacks on
cats are normal coyote behavior and do not
indicate a danger for people. The only way to
protect cats from coyotes (and the other
dangers of outdoor life such as cars, disease,
dogs and other wildlife) is to keep cats indoors
(or only let them outside in a secure enclosure
or when accompanied by a person and under
the control of a leash and harness).
 Feral cats . People who feed feral cats are often
concerned that coyotes might prey on the cats.

These concerns are well founded, as coyotes
will be attracted to both the outdoor pet food
and the cats themselves as prey. Although there
is no sure way to protect feral cats from
coyotes, the following tips can be helpful:
 Feed cats only during the day and at a set
time—and pick up any leftovers
immediately.

Coyote attractants in urban areas

8 Solving Problems with Coyotes
 Provide escape routes for cats.
 Haze coyotes seen on the property (see
Appendix B). Making them feel
uncomfortable will encourage them to stay
out of the area.
 Dogs are also vulnerable to coyote
confrontations. These incidents generally
involve coyotes who are accustomed or
habituated to people (usually due to wildlife
feeding) or coyotes who are protecting their
territory and pups (usually during breeding
season).
 Small, unattended dogs may be seen as
potential prey for coyotes. It is important to
either keep dogs on a leash 6 feet long or
shorter when outdoors or to stay within 6
feet of them when outside. (Coyotes may
view a dog on a leash longer than 6 feet as
an unattended pet.) Attacks on unattended
small dogs are normal coyote behavior and
do not indicate a danger for people.
 Although attacks on larger dogs are rare,
coyotes will sometimes go after 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 not to let
dogs outside unattended and to keep them
on leashes (6 feet long or shorter) when in
public areas.
 Fences can be used to keep coyotes out of
residential yards, but they must be “coyote-
proof.” Coyote-proof fences are at least
eight feet tall and made of a material that
coyotes cannot climb or at least 6 feet tall
with a protective device on top such as a
“coyote roller (coyoteroller.com) that rolls
off any coyotes (and dogs) that try to
scramble over the fence. To prevent
coyotes from digging under a fence, it
should extend underground at least twelve
inches or include an L-shaped mesh apron
that extends outward at least 18 inches and
is secured with landscape staples.
 Other domestic animals kept outside, such as
chickens and rabbits, may also be viewed as
prey by coyotes. Protect poultry or other
outdoor animals from coyotes (and other
predators) with protective fencing (both
structural and electric), by ensuring that they
are confined in sturdy cages or pens each
evening and by using livestock-guarding animals
where possible.

Solving Problems with Coyotes 9

MONITORING AND COLLECTING DATA
Monitoring and data collection are critical components
of an effective coyote management plan. This is best
accomplished with input from both residents and city
officials using a coyote hotline and/or an online
reporting form.

The purpose of monitoring human-coyote interactions
is to document where coyotes are frequently seen, to
count how many coyotes are within an area and to
identify human-coyote conflict hotspots. Gathering
specific data on incidents will allow for targeting of
educational campaigns and conflict mitigation efforts, as well as the ability to measure success in reducing
conflicts over time.

A standard Coyote Incident Form (Appendix A) should
be made available to residents and employees to allow
for consistent reporting of coyote incidents. Contact
information—including the date, time, name, address
and phone number of the individuals submitting the
report—should be included, as well as specific
information about the incident.

HUMAN-COYOTE CONFLICT DEFINITIONS
The following definitions will be used for the process of categorizing human-coyote conflicts:

Coexistence:

Humans and coyotes exist together. Humans take an
active role in helping coyotes in their community stay
wild by removing attractants, taking responsibility for pet safety, hazing coyotes in their neighborhood and
learning about coyote ecology and behavior.

Observation:

The act of noticing signs of a coyote(s), such as tracks, scat or vocalizations, but without visual observation of the coyote(s).

Sighting:

A visual observation of a coyote(s). A sighting may occur at any time of the day or night.

Encounter:

A direct meeting that is between human and coyote(s)
with no physical contact and that is without incident.

Incident:

A conflict between a human and a coyote where the
coyote exhibits any of the following behaviors: growling, baring teeth, lunging or making physical contact with
the person. A human is not bitten.

Human attack:

A human is bitten by a coyote(s).

Provoked: An attack where the involved human
encourages the coyote to engage. Examples include a
human hand-feeding a coyote, approaching a coyote
with pups or intervening in a coyote attack on a pet.

Unprovoked: An attack where the involved human does
not encourage the coyote to engage.

The following definitions will also be used for the
process of categorizing conflicts among coyotes, pets
and livestock.

Pet attack:

Coyote(s) kills or injures a domestic pet.

Attended: Pet is on a leash less than 6 feet in length or is in the presence of a person less than 6 feet away.

Unattended: Pet is free-roaming, walking off-leash more than 6 feet from a person, or on a leash longer than 6
feet.

Livestock loss/depredation:

Coyote(s) kills or injures livestock.

Coyote coexistence strategies and techniques

10 Solving Problems with Coyotes

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
A critical element of a successful coyote management
plan is the education and awareness of residents.

Education is the key to having residents make
appropriate decisions regarding their safety and
managing their property and pets. This involves
decreasing food attractants, taking precautions with
pets and creating tolerance of normal coyote behavior.

An educational campaign should focus on how residents
can coexist with coyotes successfully. Educational
outreach opportunities include:

1. Educational materials. These can include
brochures, informational postcards mailed or hand-
delivered to specific neighborhoods with a high
number of coyote sightings and interactions,
detailed information and appropriate links made
available on local websites, e-newsletters,
development of various public service
announcements to run on public access channels, or
coyote signage posted in appropriate parks and
open spaces.

2. Trainings. Incorporate coyote education in schools
and make educational seminars and trainings
available to the public.

3. An outreach and education team. Composed of
trained community volunteers (Appendix B), a team
can help with community outreach by tabling at
community events, presenting in classrooms and/or
following up directly with individuals and
neighborhoods who may have concerns.

HAZING: AN INTERVENTION TECHNIQUE
Generally, coyotes are reclusive animals who avoid
human contact. Coyotes in urban and suburban
environments, however, may learn that neighborhoods
provide easy sources of human-associated food while
presenting few real threats. These coyotes, having lost their fear of humans, may visit yards and public areas
even when people are present and may cause conflicts
with people and pets. Humans have contributed to this
habituation of coyotes by not reacting when they see a
coyote. We have a tendency to either ignore them due
to fear or to be enamored by them because they are
wild and it is “cool” to see one. To coexist safely, it’s important to modify this behavior and attitude in
resident coyote populations.

The best solution for addressing problematic coyote
behavior is by instituting a community-based hazing
program (See Appendix B).

Hazing is an activity or series of activities that is
conducted in an attempt to change behaviors of
habituated coyotes and/or to re-instill a healthy fear of people in the local coyote population. Hazing techniques include generating loud noises, spraying water, shining bright lights, throwing objects, shouting, etc. Hazing can help maintain coyotes’ fear of humans and deter them
from neighborhood spaces such as backyards,
greenbelts and play spaces.

A hazing program encourages the use of harassing
actions without employing weapons or causing bodily
harm to the coyote. The more often an individual animal is hazed, the more effective hazing is in changing coyote behavior. Being highly intelligent animals, coyotes who are hazed quickly learn to avoid neighborhoods, people
and pets.

The goals of hazing are to:
 Reverse the habituation of coyotes to people,
teaching them to once again fear and avoid humans
 Discourage coyotes from entering public areas such
as parks, playgrounds and yards when people are
present
 Discourage coyotes from approaching people and
pets
 Empower residents by giving them tools to use
when they encounter a coyote, thereby reducing
their fear of coyotes
 Increase awareness about coyote behavior among
residents and involve the community in coyote
management efforts
Basic hazing: Consists of directly facing the coyote and being “big and loud” by waving your arms over your
head, making loud noises or squirting the coyote with
water until the coyote(s) chooses to leave. Using a
variety of different hazing tools is critical because
coyotes can become desensitized to the continued use
of just one technique, sound or action (see Appendix B).

Basic hazing can be performed by anyone and includes
the following techniques:

Solving Problems with Coyotes 11
 Yelling and waving your arms while approaching the
coyote.
 Making loud noises with whistles, air horns,
megaphones, soda cans filled with pennies, pots and
pans.
 Throwing projectiles such as sticks, small rocks,
cans, tennis balls or rubber balls at the direction of
the coyote.
 Squirting water from a hose, water gun or spray
bottle (with vinegar water).

See this fun and educational video for more hazing tips:
bit.ly/19hkRB2
High-intensity hazing: Consists of approaching the
animal quickly and aggressively, throwing projectiles,
paint balls, pepper balls, sling shots, clay pellets or pepper spray at the coyote. High-intensity hazing should only be carried out by trained professionals such as
animal control and police officers. High-intensity hazing should be used in specific areas and only in response to more egregious incidents.

LETHAL CONTROL
Lethal control programs may seem a like a quick fix to
problems among coyotes, people and pets. However,
removal programs are not effective in reducing coyote
populations or addressing the root causes of conflicts.

Coyote removal programs are costly (due to the
difficulty of catching coyotes) and controversial among the public.

When implementing lethal control, it is extremely
difficult to ensure that problem-causing coyote(s) will be the ones located and killed. Since firearms are usually unsafe to use in urban and suburban areas, traps (which are by design non-selective for particular coyotes) are generally the method used. Because coyotes are so
intelligent and wary of human scent, it is very difficult to catch any coyote in a trap, never mind the problem-
causing coyote.

Research has shown that when lethally controlled,
coyotes exhibit a “rebound effect” (a surge in their

12 Solving Problems with Coyotes
reproductive rates), allowing for quick regeneration of their population numbers. The disruption of their family group structure leads to an increase in the number of
females breeding in the population, and the increase in available resources leads to larger litter sizes, earlier breeding ages among females and higher survival rates
among pups. This allows coyote populations to bounce
back quickly, even when as much as 70 percent of their
numbers are removed through lethal control efforts.

For these reasons, lethal programs are not effective at reducing coyote populations, and non-selective coyote
trapping programs are not effective at solving conflicts.

In addition, coyotes removed from an area will quickly
be replaced by transient coyotes looking for a vacant
home range. If the root causes of human-coyote
conflicts have not been addressed, incoming coyotes
may quickly become nuisance coyotes as well. It is far
better to have well-behaved resident coyotes who will
hold territories and keep transients at bay then to risk having to deal with newcomers who do not know the
“rules.”

Lethal responses (coyote removal) should be
considered only in the event of an unprovoked,
confirmed attack on a human. If implemented, lethal
control efforts should focus on the offending coyote(s) only, rather than the coyote population at large. This
requires significant surveillance efforts to make sure
that the correct animal(s) is targeted and removed.

Lethal control should be considered as only one of a
suite of management interventions (e.g., removal of
attractants, hazing, etc.) that involve an array of humane and non-lethal measures. It is worth remarking that if
non-lethal control techniques are effective enough to
reduce human-coyote interactions and conflicts to
acceptable levels, then the lethal control limited option may remain in the toolbox without being used.

LOCAL ORDINANCES
In addition to the suggested responses below, the
following community-wide ordinances may be helpful:

Leash law. Implementing a leash law and monetary fine
for off-leash dogs can help address problematic
behavior that could lead to coyote-pet conflicts.

Residents should be instructed to keep pets on a leash 6 feet long or shorter.

Anti-feeding ordinance . Banning the feeding of wildlife (exceptions may be made for bird feeders) and
establishing a monetary fine may be helpful in
addressing problematic feeding behavior that can lead
to the habituation of coyotes.

Solving Problems with Coyotes 13

Human-coyote conflict classification
and recommended responses
Coyote Behavior Classification Response
Coyote heard; scat
or prints seen Observation Distribute educational materials and information on normal coyote behavior.

Coyote seen moving
through the area
(day or night)
Sighting Distribute education materials and information on normal coyote behavior.

Coyote seen resting
in area (day or night) Sighting If area frequented by people, educate on normal coyote behavior and how to haze to encourage animal to leave. Look for and eliminate attractants.

Coyote entering a
yard (no person
present)
Sighting Educate on coyote attractants; provide hazing information and yard audit*.

Coyote following or
approaching a
person with no
incident
Encounter Educate on hazing techniques. Look for and eliminate attractants.

Coyote following or
approaching a
person and pet with
no incident
Encounter
Educate on hazing techniques and pet management. If an open area, post education signs to alert other residents to keep dogs on leash and to haze coyotes. If it is pup season and there is a known den nearby, consider blocking off the path or area until pup season is over.

Coyote entering a
yard with pets, no
incident
Encounter Educate on coyote attractants and pet management, provide hazing information and yard audit*.

Coyote entering yard
with people and pets,
no pet attack
occurring
Encounter
Gather information on specific animals involved and report circumstances. Educate on coyote attractants and pet management, provide hazing information and yard audit*.

Coyote injures or
kills unattended pet
in back yard
Unattended Pet
Attack
Gather information on specific animals involved and report circumstances. Educate on coyote attractants and pet management, provide hazing information and yard audit*.

Coyote injures or
kills pet off-leash in
open space area
Unattended Pet
Attack
Gather information on specific animals involved and report circumstances. Educate on pet management and hazing, Look for and eliminate food attractants. Post education signs in open area to alert other residents to keep dog s on leash and to haze coyotes. If it is pup season and there is a known den nearby, consider blocking off the path or area until pup season is over.

Coyote injures or
kills livestock
Livestock
Loss/Depredation
Gather information on specific animals involved and report circumstances. Educate on proper livestock husbandry (including the use of secure enclosures, livestock guarding animals, and/or proper fencing).

14 Solving Problems with Coyotes

Coyote Behavior Classification Response
Coyote injures or
kills pet off-leash
with human nearby
(within 6 feet)
Attended Pet
Attack
Gather information on specific animals involved and report circumstances. Educate on pet management, coyote attractants and hazing, Perform yard/neighborhood /public area audit*. Post education signs and/or send educational materials to residents in the area. Implement high intensity hazing techniques (by ACOs, police, etc.)–using rubber bullets, paintball guns, etc.

Coyote injures or
kills pet on-leash
(within 6 feet)
Attended Pet
Attack
Gather information on specific animals involved and report circumstances. Educate on pet management, coyote attractants and hazing. Perform yard/neighborhood/ public area audit*. Post education signs and/or send educational materials to residents in the area. Implement high-intensity hazing techniques (by ACOs, police, etc.)–using rubber bullets, paintball guns, etc.

Coyote aggressive
toward person,
showing teeth, back
fur raised, lunging,
nipping without
contact
Incident
Gather information on specific animals involved and report circumstances. Educate on pet management, coyote attractants and hazing. Perform yard/neighborhood/ public area audit*. Post education signs and/or send educational materials to residents in the area. Implement high-intensity hazing techniques (by ACOs, police, etc.)–using rubber bullets, paintball guns, etc.

Coyote has bitten
human (Human
encouraged coyote
to engage by hand
feeding, approaching
coyote with pups,
intervening during
pet attack, etc.)
Provoked Human
Attack
Identify and gather information on all details of attack (including action of victim before and after attack, whether feeding or pets were involved, action of victim towards coyote and how incident was resolved.) Any human bitten by a coyote(s) will need to seek the advice of their physician concerning the administration of a post - exposure rabies vaccination. If the offending coyote is killed, he/she should not only be tested for rabies, but should be also given a full necropsy (to determine general health and whether feeding was involved). Educate residents on coyote attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing and pet management. Levy fines (for wildlife feeding or leash law violations) when appropriate. Implement high-intensity hazing techniques (by ACOs, police, etc.)–using rubber bullets, paintball guns, etc. for any other habituated or bold coyotes in area.

Coyote has bitten
human (Human did
not encourage
coyote to engage)
Unprovoked
Human Attack
Identify and gather information on all details of attack (including action of victim before and after attack, whether feeding or pets were involved, action of victim towards coyote and how incident was resolved.) Any human bitten by a coyote(s) will need to seek the advice of their physician concerning the administration of a post - exposure rabies vaccination. If the offending coyote is killed, he/she should not only be tested for rabies, but should be also given a full necropsy (to determine general health and whether feeding was involved). Lethal control efforts, if implemented, should focus on the offending coyote(s), rather than the coyote population at large.

Educate residents on coyote attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing and pet management. Levy fines (for wildlife feeding or leash law violations) when appropriate. Implement high-intensity hazing techniques (by ACOs, police, etc.)– using rubber bullets, paintball guns, etc. for any other habituated or bold coyotes in area.
* (See Appendix C)

Solving Problems with Coyotes 15
Appendix A:

COYOTE INCIDENT REPORT FORM
Appendices
Date: ________________________ Time of interaction: ________________________ Duration of Interaction: _______________________ Name of reporting party: _________________________________________________________________________ _____________________ Address of reporting party: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone number of reporting party: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Address of interaction: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Location type (park, commercial property, residential property, natural preserve, vacant land, other): ___________________________ Type of interaction: Observation, Sighting, Encounter, Incident, Pet Attack: Attended/Unattended , Human Attack: Provoked/ Unprovoked? (See reverse for definitions) ______________________________________________________________________________ Activity of reporting party prior to interaction (e.g., walking, running, riding bike): _____________________________________________ Was the coyote being intentionally fed? Yes  ......................................................... No  Was there pet food present? Yes  ......................................................... No  Was unsecured garbage present? Yes  ......................................................... No  Were other food attractants present? Yes  ......................................................... No  (e.g., bird seed, compost, fruit, etc.) If yes, describe: ______________________________________________________________________ Was a pet involved? Yes  ......................................................... No  Type of pet: Cat  ........................... Dog  ........................... Other  ______________________ Breed/weight of pet:

Was pet on leash? Yes  ......................................................... No  (If yes, was leash longer than 6 ft.?) Yes  ......................................................... No  Description of interaction/what happened: _______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Actions taken by reporting party (e.g., ran away, hazed coyote, none, etc.): ___________________________________________________ How did coyote respond? (e.g.,* ran away, approached, etc.) _________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16 Solving Problems with Coyotes

OFFICE USE ONLY:

Outcome of incident: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Human injuries: ________________________________ Post-exposure rabies vaccination recommended: Yes  ........................ No  Pet injuries: __________________________________________________________________ Pet killed: Yes  ........................ No  Coyote injuries: ______________________________________________________ Coyote euthanized: Yes  ........................ No  Coyote necropsy results: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Stomach contents: human food: Yes  ........................ No  Sign of disease: Yes  ........................ No  If Yes, describe: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ DEFINITIONS:

OBSERVATION:

The act of noticing signs of a coyote(s), such as tracks, scat or vocalizations, but without visual observation of the coyote (s).

SIGHTING :

A visual observation of a coyote(s). A sighting may occur at any time of the day or night.

ENCOUNTER:

A direct meeting that is between human and coyote(s) with no physical contact and that is without incident.

INCIDENT:

A conflict between a human and a coyote where the coyote exhibits any of the following behaviors: growling, baring teeth, lun ging or making physical contact with person. A human is not bitten.

HUMAN ATTACK:

Provoked: An attack where the involved human encourages the coyote to engage. Examples include a human hand-feeding a coyote, approaching a coyote with pups or intervening in a coyote attack on a pet.

Unprovoked: An attack where the involved human does not encourage the coyote to engage.

PET ATTACK:

Coyote(s) kills or injures a domestic pet.

Attended: Pet is on a leash less than six feet in length or is in the presence of a person less than six feet away.

Unattended: Pet is free-roaming, walking off-leash more than six feet from a person or on a leash longer than six feet.

LIVESTOCK LOSS/DEPREDATION:

Coyote(s) kills or injures livestock.

Solving Problems with Coyotes 17
Appendix B:

GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTING A

COMMUNITY -BASED HAZING PROGRAM
Because coexisting with wildlife involves the community, the most successful coyote hazing programs involve
residents and volunteers. Residents are best equipped
to respond consistently and at the most opportune
times in their own neighborhoods, greenbelts, parks and open spaces. Coyotes will also learn to fear the general public faster if they are hazed by the residents that they already encounter in their home ranges.

Involving the community in coyote hazing efforts has
the additional benefit of empowering residents and
reducing their fear of coyotes by giving them tools to
address coyote conflicts themselves.

Before attempting to haze coyotes on their own,
residents should first be properly trained on the
following topics:
 Basic coyote ecology and behavior.
 Seasonal behavior changes—breeding season,
pups, denning behavior.
 Influences of human behavior on coyotes.
 How to identify and remove food attractants.
 Safety tips for pets.
 Hazing techniques, tools and tips for success.

When possible, in-person trainings and meetings are the best way to relay this information to residents and to
train them in coyote hazing techniques. Supplemental
materials, such as handouts, brochures and websites,
can also provide this information when necessary.

CREATING A VOLUNTEER HAZING TEAM
A group of volunteers trained in coyote hazing
techniques can be quite useful to respond to coyote
conflicts in public areas (such as parks, playgrounds,
etc.). The following guidelines are suggested for
managing a volunteer hazing team:

1. Volunteers should be trained in proper coyote
hazing techniques (as discussed above).

2. Volunteers should be added to a Community Citizen
Volunteer email list, from which they will be notified
of “hot spots” and asked to haze in the area.

3. Updates, additional coyote information, electronic
flyers and handouts should be sent to members of
the Community Citizen Volunteer group to
disseminate to the general public.

4. Volunteers should fill out a Hazing Interaction
Report after each hazing activity.

5. Hazing Interaction Reports will include the following details:
 Date, location, time of day, number of coyotes.
 Initial coyote behavior, hazing behavior, coyote
response.
 Effectiveness ratings.
 Tools and techniques used.
 Additional details/comments.

COYOTE HAZING TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Hazing is most effective when an individual coyote is hazed by a variety of people using a variety of tools
and techniques.

2. The coyote being hazed must be able to recognize
that the potential threat is coming from a person.

Therefore, hiding behind a bush and throwing rocks
or hazing from inside a car or house (for example)
isn’t effective.

3. When hazed for the first time, a coyote may not
respond at first or may run a short distance away. If
this happens, it is important to continue hazing (and
intensify the hazing if possible) until the coyote
leaves the area. Otherwise, the coyote will learn to
wait until the person gives up. Inconsistent hazing
will create an animal more resistant to hazing
instead of reinforcing the notion that “people are
scary.”

4. Make sure to provide an escape route for the
coyote. Do not corner the coyote or chase the
animal in the direction of traffic or other people.

5. A group of coyotes should be hazed in the same
manner as a single coyote. In a group, there will
always be a dominant coyote who will respond first,
and once he runs away, the others will follow.

18 Solving Problems with Coyotes

6. Hazing efforts should be exaggerated at the
beginning of a hazing program, but less effort will be
needed as coyotes learn to avoid people and
neighborhoods. Coyotes learn quickly, and their
family members and pups will emulate their
behavior, leading to a ripple effect throughout the
local coyote population.

7. Certain levels of hazing must always be maintained
so that coyotes do not learn or return to
unacceptable habits.

8. Obviously sick or injured coyotes should not be
hazed by the general public. In these cases, police or
animal control officers should be contacted.

9. People should never run from or ignore a coyote.

Running from a coyote can initiate a chasing
instinct, while ignoring a coyote creates habituation
and negates the positive effects of hazing.

10. It is important to identify and remove possible
coyote attractants in conjunction with hazing.

Hazing will be less effective if food attractants are
plentiful in a neighborhood.

Solving Problems with Coyotes 19
Appendix C:

COYOTE YARD AUDIT CHECKLIST
(For municipal or homeowner use)
OK FIX Ways to mitigate
FOOD NEVER hand-feed or 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) in dry climates.

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 fruit around trees.

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

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

Trash Secure all trash containers with locking lids and place curbside the morning of trash pickup.

Periodically clean cans to reduce residual odors.

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

STRUCTURES /

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

FENCING
Enclose property with an 8-foot fence (or a 6-foot fence with an additional extension or roller-top) to deter coyotes. Ensure that there are no gaps and that the bottom of the fence extends underground 6 inches or is fitted with a mesh apron to deter coyotes from digging underneath.

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.

We encourage you to take steps to eliminate attractants on your property in order to minimize conflicts with coyotes. We also urge you to share this information with friends and neighbors because minimizing conflicts is most effective when the entire neighborhood works together.

20 Solving Problems with Coyotes
Appendix D:

EXAMPLE COYOTE RES OLUTION

RESOLUTION NO. _______________

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS , the City of _____________________________________________________________________________________________ has a duty and responsibility to its residents to protect the public health, safety, and welfar e of its residents; and WHEREAS , the city of __________________________________________________________________________________________ desires to identify and achieve a balance between the importance of human safety and the ecology of the region; and WHEREAS, due to the varied interests of persons and organizations regarding actions that can be taken in the management of coyotes, a written management plan is desirable to ensure that the varied interests are evaluated and considered when seeking to address conflicts with coyotes, and;
WHEREAS , the City of _____________________________________________________________________________________________ has developed a Coyote Management Plan to provide recommendations for educating the community regarding living and interacting with wildlife and addressing perceived or actual conflicts with coyotes including sightings, attacks on pets, aggressive beha vior of coyotes, and a general fear of harm to life and property caused by coyotes, and; WHEREAS , the purpose of the Coyote Management Plan is to provide effective solutions to coyote conflicts, including a behavior classification and recommended response chart, to resolve and reduce human -coyote conflicts within the City in a humane and effective manner; and
WHEREAS , a combination of education and hazing have been found to be the most effective methods to alleviate the potential dangers that may result from coyote-human interactions, and WHEREAS , the ____________________________________________________________ _______________ is directed to utilize non-lethal methods, including education and hazing methods, as primary methods in coyote management, considering lethal responses (coyot e removal) only in the event of an unprovoked attack on a human, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by __________________________________________________________________________ , that:

The Coyote Management Plan attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, is hereby approved.

The resolution shall be effective immediately.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS _________________________ DAY OF _____________________________________________________ ATTEST: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20037
humanesociety.org

McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Deniz Bolbol <
Friday, July 14, 2023 3:35 PM
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don't kill coyotes
1>
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Hello Pasadena Council members,
I live in an area with coyotes — we understand that we SHARE this planet with other non-human animals. Killing coyotes must be off the table.

Why not learn from the Bay Area — which has coyotes and does not kill coyotes. We love our coyotes ...we love biodiversity.

If your coyotes are coming into neighborhoods for water, etc ... why not put out water troughs to keep coyotes out of neighborhoods. I was on a call a statewide call regarding living with coyotes and some southern CA residents were complaining — thankfully out local officials were on the call and said we have no such problems with coyotes.

There is a way to live peacefully with coyotes — will you help community to get achieve that? Humans are the most prolific killing machine on earth — it is destroying our planet and other creates with whom we share this planet.

Please do not cave to calls to kill — there is a better way.

Deniz Bolbol
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 Dear Mayor Gordo, Vice Mayor Williams and City Councilmembers, RECEtVED
2023 JUL 17 AM 8: 12
My name is Michelle Lute and I am the Co-Executive Director of Wildlife for All, a nationahnqflTRfqfjfroi^ organization whose mission is to improve wildlife management to be more democraQ({,']Jvsiop- compassionate, and focused on protecting humans, companion animals, wild species and ecosystems. I would like to communicate our opposition to Options 1 and 2 and support for Option 3 to direct staff to implement one or more of the five staff recommendations listed in the response to the Public Safety Committee.

First, I applaud Manuel Carmona's great work in putting together an informative report with excellent recommendations on best practices for preventing conflict, namely by empowering residents with knowledge and other resources to remove attractants from yards. Humans and coyotes can safely coexist with these common sense preventative measures. Pasadena is already observing the effectiveness of such measures. According to the latest reporting, sightings have decreased 14% from this time last year.

Second, as a PhD wildlife scientist, I state confidently: lethal control of coyotes is not only ineffective but can also be counterproductive to the goal of reducing conflict. Trapping and other forms of lethal control can increase conflict with disruption of social structures and foraging ecology. In coyote populations experiencing lethal control, females can start reproducing at younger ages and have larger litter sizes.

The number of surviving pups increases with the temporary increase in available food (because adults have been trapped and killed). Parents are then under greater pressure to feed these pups and may turn to easier sources of food in people's backyards. When lethal control opens up a territory, new coyotes, sometimes younger and less experienced, take over and this transience and disruption can also lead to conflict.

We know about these dynamics because people have gathered evidence through formal studies and observed these issues through first-hand experience. Hence, you might hear the common phrase touted across California and beyond: when a coyote is killed, two show up to her funeral.

As you consider the City of Torrance as a model, please also consider that Torrance Mayor Patrick Furey, who previously supported a trapping program, eventually concluded during a City Council meeting on April 26, 2022: "I'm totally opposed to the coyote program entirely... The locations that we are trapping coyotes is giving the community a false sense of safety. I believe the coyote management plan that we put together, explaining education-wise, not to feed animals outside, water outside, motion detecting lights outside, taking care of your animals, will go a much longer way to eradicating coyotes or at least eliminating the problems we've had."
Regarding Councilmember Hampton's comment that the coyote population has tripled and that coyotes have expanded their range, we have no evidence to support this claim. Coyotes are habitat generalists, widely distributed across this continent and have existed in California for thousands of years.

Only non-lethal prevention is effective at addressing the potential for conflict between people and coyotes. Based on decades of experience across California and North America, we know what works:
reducing attractants in yards, creating spatial separation (e.g., tried and true fences and dog leashes) and, when necessary, humane hazing and enforcing ordinances against feeding. 7/17/2023
Item 9
Lastly, I would be remiss not to briefly mention the many benefits of sharing landscapes with our native songdog. Coyote diets are omnivorous and rely on rodents and rabbits. Rodent control and associated reduced disease transmission are just two of the many ecosystem benefits of coyotes.

Please support Option 3 and its evidence-based prevention that is proven to work across California.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
ip..

Michelle L. Lute, PhD
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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LWesty0506 • . _ n>
Saturday, July 15, 2023 6:07 AM
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Please stick to humane, effective and non lethal methods of coyote control Some people who received this message don't often get email from'am why this is important ^] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....

To whom it may concern :
•
•
Trapping and killing coyotes is cruel and ineffective.

Despite spending $80,000 of taxpayer money on a program that includes lethal methods, there are no fewer coyotes now than before the program began.

Coyotes fiercely defend their territory, but when one or both of a pack's leaders are removed, individuals from the surrounding area quickly fill the vacancy, sometimes increasing the density of coyotes in the area.

There are many humane, impactful measures that could be implemented at little or no cost to the city, including cleaning up the trash throughout the Arroyo area and beyond, providing wildlife- resistant trash cans in and around the Arroyo and elsewhere, removing fallen fruit, and directing residents to keep their domestic cats indoors (for the good of the cats and other wildlife as well).

The responsible and humane thing for the city to do is to adopt the recommendations researched and written by the health department.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Laura Westervelt
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7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Zf- • Marina Ris <
Saturday, July 15, 2023 10:00 AM
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Stop cruel, ineffective, and expensive lethal methods of coyote-management plan I
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Trapping and killing coyotes is cruel and ineffective.

Despite spending $80,000 of taxpayer money on a program that includes lethal methods, there are no fewer coyotes in Torrance now than before the program began.

The responsible and humane thing for the city to do is to adopt the recommendations researched and written by the city's own health department.

Please, I insist that the city stick to humane, effective, nonlethal methods of coyote control.

Thank you.

Marina Ris
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Jennifer Perich
Saturday, July 15,2023 10:38 AM
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CONCERNS RELATED TO HUMAN-COYOTE INTERACTIONS
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Hello,
My name is Jennifer and I live and work as a real estate agent in Pasadena. I appreciate that as members of our city council you have to hear the concerns of citizens, but I question the priorities. More and more I am hearing hesitation from people considering moving here because of crime in Pasadena and as a woman working and living in this city, I share that concern.

Daily on the citizen app we're getting reports of gun violence, machetes and knives being used to hurt or threaten to hurt people, and I urge you to turn your attention there, instead of trapping coyotes.

I run a lot in Sierra Madre and see coyotes and bears and like residents there -1 know what to do and instinctively, the animals know what to do and we avoid each other. Our wildlife isn't the issue you all should be focusing on. Please don't spend a dime on killing coyotes.

Thank you,
Jennifer Perich
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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nancy martinez <
Saturday, July 15, ZUZ3 11:35 AM
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Do not trap coyotes
>
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It is not humane to trap coyotes in Pasadena and it does not work in places where it has been tried. Please do not even consider such horrible methods. We and several neighbors are totally opposed to this.

Andre and Nancy Martinez
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Elena Tillman <
Saturday, July 15, 2023 1:21 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Killing coyotes
I
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Dear City Council,
I am writing in regards to the proposed trapping and killing of coyotes. I am VEHEMENTLY against this for several reasons, and am grateful for the opportunity to publicly comment.

Not only is this inhumane given the incredibly sentient and social nature of the species, but it is also proven to be ineffective. Please see studies by Dr. Numi Mitchell, a renowned biologist specializing in coyotes, that the more they are killed, the more others spring up in response. It leads to other individuals taking their place, often increasing coyote density in the area.

Further; indiscriminate trapping includes all wildlife, including endangered species and domestic pets, not just the targeted coyote.

Please consult the experts: they have collectively hundreds of years of expertise in humanely deterring coyotes. One incredibly useful resource is Project Coyote (projectcoyote.org). I have direct contact with the experts at that organization if you would like me to put you in contact. Many cities have had great success in determining coyotes in their area, and Pasadena can certainly be one of them.

Please lead by example and do not take us back over a century to return to this barbaric practice.

Best,
Elena Tillman and family
Best,
ElenaTillman
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Kristen Ochoa
Saturday, July 15, 2023 2:24 PM
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Regarding Coyote Concerns, for July 17, 2023 Meeting, Agenda Item #9 I
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Dear Pasadena City Council,
Regarding the proposed trapping and killing of coyotes as a Pasadena City-generated, sponsored and sanctioned program, I am confused by my City's process of decision-making. I live in Pasadena in the North Arroyo and understand interactions with coyotes, who are part of our natural landscape. I have found Pasadena government to make thoughtful and educated decisions, but I do not see any wildlife study, I see no experts that have submitted a report pertinent to the local conditions, and I, therefore, do not understand how a decision could be made at this time. If Pasadena is to act in this manner, at a significant cost and with the burden and reputation of killing local wildlife, then wouldn't it be sensible to act according to a sound study by a qualified wildlife biologist? Additionally, wouldn't Pasadena want to pause further on any action that will undoubtedly cause negative attention and bad optics for the City? The public is more and more aware of and protective of our local natural environment and people will question and oppose the act of humans killing and harming wild animals sanctioned by Pasadena. I ask you to first examine the risks, benefits and alternatives of this proposal with expert input, and share those results with the public prior to making this major decision. -Kristen Ochoa, MD
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Charles Roth <
Saturday, July 15, 2023 4:04 PM
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Coyotes...

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Trapping and killing coyotes is not the answer. Coyotes are not vicious animals. They need their own territory, with sufficient means to survive.

The same is true of wolves and bears. Bears kill because they are predators, and to eat, they must kill. It is their nature. They wouldn't kill humans if there was a sufficient supply of wildlife available. The laws of nature, are NOT the laws of human nature. We need to protect all of nature in every way possible. That is necessary to our survival.
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Jeffrey S. Wagner
Saturday, July 15, 2023 7:08 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Vehemently Opposed to Trapping and Killing Coyotes in Pasadena Some people who received this message don't often get email fromam why this is important CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know {he content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....

Good Evening Great Folks of Pasadena,
My name is Jeff Wagner and I am a proud Pasadena area resident for close to a decade now. I love Pasadena and I proudly call it home for my family and I.

Upon hearing of the sheer possibility that Pasadena is considering trapping and killing coyotes in the Pasadena area, I could not help myself but to reach out to express my fervent and vehement opposition to such a strategy.

As the apex predator in a lot of our local ecosystems, coyotes are relied upon to regulate the populations of smaller predator species like rodents, skunks, raccoons, and foxes which helps to boost biodiversity. If the coyote population is altered, the prey species can swiftly overrun their habitat and become a much greater and more dire situation for the people of Pasadena. Additionally, as scavengers, coyotes provide an ecological service to our community by keeping the community free of carrion (dead animals). Finally, coyotes are a natural and native member of our local habitats and to even consider trying to trap and kill them could wreak havoc on our local ecosystems for generations to come.

I would HIGHLY urge you to reconsider your plan and strategy immediately. It is paramount that you begin by working to haze these animals and further secure any potential food sources in and around domestic homes. Additionally, it is time for humans to look themselves in the mirror (I know, very hard to do) in order to obtain a better understanding of OUR role in these coyote interactions and coyote-human relationships.

We can do better and we will do better, Pasadena.

Best
Jeff
Jeffreys. Wagner
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Ted Ryno •--
Saturday, July 15, 2023 7:18 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Say No to Trapping and Killing Coyotes
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Pasadena,
Trapping and killing our local coyote population is NOT the answer. I am sorry.

We are a long-standing community built firmly on the backs of love,respect and reverence for our local nature and natural inhabitants-of all kinds. For us to take the easy way out by trapping and killing our local coyotes-this is simply not who we as Pasadenansare. Shame on us.

We need to take the proper time, energy and dedication to identify alternative ways to handle and deal with our local coyotes (if you feel we have no other option). Trapping and killing local coyotes would be a black eye on this great city.

Sincerely,
Teddy
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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John David Stevens
Saturday, July 15, 2023 11:58PM
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God hates your animal cruelty
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God hates your animal cruelty and God will judge you for each animal harmed 7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Ester Gonzalez <
Sunday, July 16, ^U23 12:45 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Coyotes
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Dear Pasadena City Council,
I respectfully ask that during your upcoming vote, please oppose cruel methods of killing coyotes which involve gassing and snaring coyotes. This is very cruel and unethical.

We are not all wildlife specialists, but we can inform ourselves by learning how important coyotes are to the local ecology.

Coyotes help to maintain rodent populations down. Help birds. It's all a very delicate urban system.

We must learn to share our water from the Arroyo as well as land with wildlife. Maybe the new neighbors complaining are ignorant or heartless. Not sure. However, there are always humane and non lethal ways to deter coyotes. It just takes a little effort, like not feeding coyotes, not letting small dogs run on the streets by themselves.

Listening to myths that anthropomorphize coyotes by calling them stalkers or sneaky is complete nonsense.

I have learned to coexist with coyotes and have seen their strong bond. When you kill a coyote parent you create more havoc and more coyotes reproduce. Leave the packs alone, the pups need their parents and siblings to help them learn survival skills. Their survival rate due to being run over by cars and landlocked areas is already stressing the populations.

Don't let Pasadena add to their tough life.

Thank you for taking my comment.

Sincerely,
Ester Gonzalez
Sent from my iPhone
7/17/2023
Item 9
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:

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wei xu <
Sunday, July 16, 2023 7:40 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Do not kill the Coyotes.
>
Some people who received this message don't often get email from."Learn why this is important 4^] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you taoivthe content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more.... •Trapping and killing coyotes is cruel and ineffective.

Despite spending $80,000 of taxpayer money on a program that includes lethal methods, there are no fewer coyotes in Torrance now than before the program began.

The responsible and humane thing for the city to do is to adopt the recommendations researched and written by the city's own health department.

Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
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7/17/2023
Item 9
1

Pasadena City CouncilJuly 17, 2023

Pasadena City Council
July 17, 2023