CC RESOLUTION 5019 RESOLUTION NO. 5019
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO COYOTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The City Council of the City of El Segundo does resolve as follows:
SECTION 1: Recitals:
A. City of El Segundo residents have expressed concern over purported,
apparent, or observed increases in the number of coyotes, sightings of
coyotes, aggressive behavior of coyotes, and a general fear of harm to life
and property caused by coyotes;
B. Although the City of El Segundo does not own or have any control of wild
animals found within its boundaries, the City and its Police Department do
respond to such concerns from its residents;
C. The City Council desires to adopt the attached City of El Segundo Coyote
Management Plan to provide guidance to the El Segundo Police
Department and City staff on the appropriate level of response to various
types of coyote encounters; the City Council also adopts the Plan to
increase residents' knowledge and understanding of how coyotes behave
to help reduce or eliminate encounters with coyotes.
SECTION 2: Adoption. The City Council adopts the City of El Segundo Coyote
Management Plan attached as Exhibit A. The City Manager is authorized to take any
actions necessary to implement the Plan and may approve any future amendments to
the Plan.
SECTION 3: The City Clerk is directed to certify the adoption of this Resolution; record
this Resolution in the book of the City's original resolutions; and make a minute of the
adoption of the Resolution in the City Council's records and minutes of this meeting.
SECTION 4: This Resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption and
remain effective unless superseded by a subsequent resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED RESOLUTION No. 5019 this 17th day of
January, 2017.
Fuentes,uza�we Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
I°
Tracy Weav City Clerk 4kH ensae y C Attorney
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF EL SEGUNDO )
I, Tracy Weaver, City Clerk of the City of El Segundo, California, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Resolution No. 5019 was duly passed, approved and adopted by said City Council at a
regular meeting held on the 17th day of January, 2017, approved and signed by the
Mayor, and attested to by the City Clerk, by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Fuentes, Mayor Pro Tern Boyles, Council Member Brann, Council
Member Dugan, and Council Member Pirsztuk
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
WITNESS MY HAND THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF SAID CITY this 7th day of March, 2017.
Tracy eaver, ity Clerk
EXHIBIT A
CoVote t
Plan
El Segundo Animal Control
El Segundo Police Department
348 Main Street
El Segundo, California 90245
Phone: 310-524-2231
1
Fax: 310-640-8648
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 2
BACKGROUND 3
DIFFICULTIES MANAGING WILDLIFE 4
WHAT ROLES DO COYOTES PLAY IN THE ENVIRONMENT? 5
HOW DO HUMANS PERCEIVE COYOTES? 5
HAVE COYOTE NUMBERS INCREASED IN CULVER CITY? 5
COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN 7
COYOTE ATTRACTANTS IN URBAN AREAS 8
HAZING AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGE 10
FOUNDATION OF HAZING 10
GOALS OF HAZING 10
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 10
TRAINING PROGRAM 12
PUBLIC HAZING TRAINING 12
ENFORCEMENT 14
RESPONSE PLAN 15
THREAT LEVEL TIERED RESPONSE 15
INCIDENT DEFINED 16
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A—DEFINITIONS ON ENCOUNTERS WITH COYOTES 17
APPENDIX B — COYOTE BEHAVIOR, BEHAVIOR CLASSIFICATION
AND RECOMMENDED RESPONSE 19
APPENDIX C—OVERVIEW OF HAZING 20
APPENDIX D—COYOTE YARD AUDIT CHECKLIST 21
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futroduction
The intent of this plan is to provide guidance for dealing with coyotes in El Segundo. Guidelines
and provisions of this plan do not supersede federal, state and county regulations and policies.
Furthermore, the provisions of this plan do not apply to El Segundo residents and businesses in
pursuit of their legal rights in dealing with coyotes.
In the middle part of 2016, the City, along with other municipalities in Southern California, began to
experience an increase in the amount of coyote encounters.These encounters included attacks on
pets by coyotes that were on and off leash, a documented escalation of stalking and aggressive
behavior displayed by coyotes,and an upsurge in sightings in areas populated by people (particularly
during the day). The encounters have caused a general sense of fear by El Segundo residents and a
desire to manage the increased coyote activity in neighborhoods.
Areas within and adjacent to the City where dense brush is prevalent J-AX property,areas in and
around the Dunes,etc.) also provide locales where coyotes can safely build dens and reproduce. It is
also believed that the prolonged drought has limited potential food sources for the coyotes and thus
drawn the coyotes to residential neighborhoods in search of food and water.
Coyotes are opportunistic,versatile carnivores that primarily eat small mammals, such as rabbits,
ground squirrels,and mice, to name a few. Coyotes tend to prefer fresh meat,but will eat significant
amounts of fruits and vegetables during the autumn and winter months when their prey is scarce.
Part of the coyote's success as a species is its dietary adaptability. This dietary elasticity, coupled with
a lack of prey and closer proximity to residents,has led the coyotes to seek alternative food sources,
including small pets,pet food, and fallen fruits and vegetables found in the backyards of homes.
Generally, coyotes are reclusive animals who avoid human contact. However,with the urbanization
of coyotes they have realized there are few real threats in suburban environments.This has resulted
in coyotes approaching people and even feeling safe visiting yards when people are present.
In response to the rise of more aggressive coyote activity in neighborhoods, City staff researched
response from surrounding communities, analyzed the Coyote Guidelines from the Humane Society
of the United States,and researched coyote ecology to better understand and to create an
appropriate plan for El Segundo.
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This Plan enables tbeCitvtmmauugcLbe amplified presence of coyotes with xo emphasis on
education, hazing, and lastly employing lethal means of removal only when the safety oEthe public is
at stake.
The Plan is guided bythe following principles-,
1. Human safety isu priority iu managing boouxa-coyotcinteractions.
2. Coyotes serve uu important role io ecosystems by helping control the population of
rodents.
3. Preventive practices such as reduction and removal of food attractants,habitat
modification and responding appropriately when interacting with wildlife are key to
rninin�zing potential interaction with coyotes.
4. Solutions for coyote conflicts must address both problematic coyote behaviors (such as
aggression towards people uadxttacks on pets) and the problematic human behaviors
(intentionally az unintentionally feeding coyotes and letting pets outside unattended) that
contribute tuconflicts.
5. Non-selective coyote removal programs are ineffective for reducing coyote population
sizes orpreventing human-coyote conflicts.
6. A conuouoity-vide program that involves residents is necessary for achieving
coexistence among people, coyotes and pets.
The suggested actions ia the Plan are designed toincrcuaocitizenm`knovludveundooderstuudiogoE
how coyotes behave and make clear how such behavior can be managed to reduce or eliminate
conflicts with coyotes. The Plan requires active participation ooEke part o[the entire community
including residents,homeowner associations,volunteers, and City staff
The City mf]Bl Segundo does not own or have any control of wild animals found within its
boundaries, nor is the City responsible for the actions or damage caused by them. These animals are
u common and important integral part of our ecosystem.
Difficulties Managing Wildlife
Although 0 Segundo places u high value on its wildlife,some species adapted to urban
environments have the potentia for problems and/or conflicts bu specific situations. Inaddressing
problems,El Segundo promotes policies supporting prevention and implementation of remedial
measures that do not harm the wildlife nx their habitats.
/\wildlife problem im defined as any situation that causes uhou|dh or safety issue to its residents. To
cases where problems with xildU6z are associated with human behavior (leaving garbage exposed ox
intentional wildlife feeding), ordinances and enforcement may 6c enacted to minimize conflict.
In some cases,particular ac traditional management tools are ineffective. For example,relocation oE
uoiouula is not ecologically sound and is not allowed in California without permission from the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife PTW). Generally,relocated animals dn not survive the
transfer. If they do, they rarely stay in the relocation area and tend to disperse to other locations
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where they may cause problems, be involved in territory disputes or introduce disease. In some
instances, the dispersed wildlife, especially coyotes,will go to great lengths to return to its previous
territory or adversely affect residents. For these reasons, the CDFW rarely allows relocation of
wildlife.
As a last resort,lethal control measures,when employed,are controversial and non-selective;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 are generally the method
used. Most traps are notoriously indiscriminate, capturing almost any animal that triggers them.
Sometimes called "trash" animals by trappers,non-target species that have been found in traps
include threatened and endangered species,raptors, domestic dogs and cats. These animals can
sustain the same injuries as target species. Even if released, they may perish later from internal
injuries or reduced ability to hunt or forage for food. If they are used, traps must be humane and in
compliance with federal and state laws.
It is not economically, ecologically or in other ways efficient to attempt to remove all coyotes from
the urban ecosystem. Attempts made by local, state and federal agencies as well as private
organizations over the past century to eradicate coyotes have proven to be ineffective. Moreover,
during the past century coyotes have expanded their territories to include every state except Hawaii.
What Role do Coyotes play in it ?
Coyotes play an important role in the urban ecosystem. They are predators of geese, eggs, squirrels,
mice,rabbits,rats,gophers and other small animals. Rodents make up a majority of their diet.
How do Humans Perceive ?
People respond to coyotes in various ways. Some observe them with enjoyment, others with
indifference and some with fear or concern. Personal experiences with coyotes may influence their
perceptions. Experiences range from animal sightings without incident to stalking,killing of pets or,
at the extreme,an attack on a person.
Because wild animals conjure up fear, actual sightings and perceptions may become exaggerated or
misconstrued (see Appendix A for coyote description encounters). The wide range in perceptions of
urban coyotes from El Segundo residents supports the need for strong and consistent educational
messages to clarify management techniques.
Have Coyote Numbers cr in I Segundo ?
Without tracking and updated inventories,it is difficult to know if the number of coyotes has
increased in an area. What is known is that coyotes can become habituated if they are intentionally
or unintentionally fed,which can lead to bolder behavior when coyotes lose their fear of people.
Coyotes -like all predators -will stabilize their populations if they are not constantly exploited. In
general, coyotes regularly roam an area of about 2-5 square miles or whatever it takes to get enough
food for the pack members. Normally, each pack is a territorial family group that varies in number
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from 3 to 10 individuals.A portion of the area the pack inhabits is the pack's territory, which they
defend from other coyotes. The number of mature coyotes in the pack is linked to the amount of
food resources in the territory. The pack system keeps coyotes from getting too numerous because
the packs defend the area they need to survive.
A coyote pack usually has one breeding (or alpha) female. This female produces more pups than are
ultimately wanted in the pack. Young coyotes may leave the pack at about 9-11 months of age but
dispersal patterns are highly variable. These coyotes become transients. Other types of transients
include older individuals that can no longer defend their role as upper level pack members and leave
the pack.
Transients move all over in narrow undefended zones that exist between pack territories searching
for an open habitat to occupy or group to join. They often die before they succeed (many are hit by
cars). It is largely because of these transients, that coyote eradication programs are unsuccessful.
Removing a group of territorial coyotes will create an undefended area into which the transient
coyotes will flow.At all times of the year, numbers of transients are immediately available to
replenish any voids created by killing the resident coyotes. Further,if either the alpha male or alpha
female in a pack is killed, the resulting effect may result in ovulation in other breeding-age females in
the pack and an increase in the number of litters as well as the number of pups per litter.
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 the El Segundo Police Department
Animal Control. The El Segundo Animal Control records and tracks coyote sightings or incidents
(See Appendix A for definitions). Coyote sightings/incidents can be made by calling 310-524-2231
and via e-mail at coyotesightings@elsegundo.org.
The purpose of monitoring human-coyote interactions is to document where coyotes are frequently
seen 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.
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i
i
A „ Ia
Management Strategy
The El Segundo Police Department Animal Control strategy for managing coyotes is based on
balancing respect and protection for wildlife and their habitats without compromising public safety.
The main strategy is comprised of a three-pronged approach consisting of public education designed
around co-existence with coyotes, enforcement of laws prohibiting the feeding of wildlife and
ensuring public safety by implementing appropriate tiered responses to coyote and human
interactions. This plan requires active participation on the part of the entire community including
residents,city employees,volunteers and El Segundo Animal Control.
Education
Education is the key to having residents make appropriate decisions regarding their safety or
managing their property and pets. Education will involve written materials in flyers. The goal of
education is to decrease attractants,increase pet safety, and reshape coyote behavior through hazing
and creating reasonable expectations of normal coyote behavior.
Learning how to respond to a coyote encounter empowers residents and supports reshaping
undesired coyote behavior. The public should understand what normal coyote behavior is when
living in close proximity with coyotes. For example,vocalization is normal acceptable behavior and
does not indicate aggression.
Enforcement
The act of feeding wildlife is known to lead to an increase in wildlife activity. Feeding can attract
coyotes and their prey to an area leading to an increased likelihood of creating a habituated coyote(s)
resulting in increases in coyote and human interactions. California law prohibits feeding wildlife. The
El Segundo Police Department Animal Control will strictly enforce the State law(s) pertaining to this
activity.
Response Plan
A detailed tiered response plan has been developed to provide a mechanism for identifying and
classifying different levels of human and coyote interactions. Definitions of coyote encounters is
listed in Appendix A and Appendix B provides a chart detailing coyote behavior, behavior
classification and recommended responses.
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�Yot "' "'ea
While human attacks are very rare,urban landscape development,habituation through intentional
and unintentional feeding,pet related incidents and media attention have led some urban residents
to fear coyotes. It is important to note that attacks on small pets are normal coyote behavior and do
not necessarily indicate a danger for people.
Coyotes usually become habituated when they learn and associate people and/or neighborhoods
with sources of food. We reinforce this behavior by not reacting appropriately when we see a
coyote. Steps must be taken to address safety concerns and misconceptions and appropriate
responses to potential threats to human safety. It's important to keep in mind that coyotes have
been in and around other parts of Southern California for a very long time.
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 that 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:
a) Never hand-feed or otherwise deliberately feed a coyote.
b) 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.
c) Never compost any meat or dairy (unless the compost is fully secured).
d) Maintain good housekeeping, such as regularly raking areas around bird feeders,to
help discourage coyote activity near residences.
e) 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 out overnight,trash cans are more
likely to be tipped over and broken into.
g) Bag especially attractive food wastes such as meat scraps or leftover pet food before
discarding
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.
8
I Access to Shelter_Parks,greenbelts,open spaces,golf courses, buildings, sheds, decks and
crawl spaces, otc`increase the amount and variability of cover for coyotes. They allow
coyotes to safely and easily remain close to people,pets, hoouoa and businesses without
detection. Io the spring,when coyotes give 6ict6uod6c intoruioeyouug, t6oyconceotrute
their activities around dcuo or 6osonm in which their young arc sheltered. Coyotes may take
advantage of available spaces under sheds or decks for use as a den,bringing them into dose
contact with people and pets.
4. Unattended Pets—Coyotes primarily eat small mammals such as mice and rats,but will
also prey uo slightly larger mammals such ux rabbits and groundhogs. Approximately the
same size as a groundhog or rabbit, free-roarning outdoor pets,especially cats and
sometimes small dogs,may attract coyotes into neighborhoods.
o) The best way tominimize risk Lo pets from coyotes (and the other dangers of
outdoor life such as cars, disease, dogs and other wildlife) is to keep small pets
indoors (or only let them outside inusecure enclosure or when accompanied Fmu
dou�urt6� coui�oloEu)uan6uod�urucas\
person and ,.
l6 Itia important tocidberkcepdogaouxlexo6e6c6cotloogorshnrternheuou1dooza
or to stay within six feet of them when outside. (Coyotes may view a dog on a leash
longer than six feet as an unattended pet.) Attacks on unattended, small dogs are
normal coyote behavior and do not indicate u danger for people.
6 Although attacks oo larger dogs are rare, coyotes will auzuetiueo go after xlarge dog
when they feel that their territory iu threatened. This generally occurs during the
coyote breeding season,which takes place from January through March. During this
tirnu,itie especially important notbzletdugaoutxideooutteodeduodtokezptbuo
on leashes /mix feet long orless) when in public uzeua.
5. Feral Cats —Pcoplcvrho feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might pzey on the
cats. These concerns are well founded, as coyotes can be attracted to the outdoor pet food.
Although there is no sure way to protect feral cats from coyotes, the following tips cxobe
helpful:
u] Feed cats only during the day and utu set tiue--undpick up any leftovers
6ococJiu1el,.
b\ Provide escape routes for cats.
6 Haze coyotes seen ou the property (see Appendix(3. Making them feet
uncomfortable will encourage them to stay out of the area.
Other domestic animals kept outside, such us rabbits,may also be viewed ux prey bvcoyotes. Protect
outdoor animals from coyotes (and other predators) with protective fencing,by ensuring that they
are confined in sturdy cages each evening.
Residents are encouraged to use the Yard Audit Checklist (Appendix D) as o tool to help recognize
and remove u|\zuctumtu io their yards and neighborhoods.
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andBehavior Change
Some coyotes have become too comfortable in the close proximity of people. To safely coexist,it's
important to modify this behavior and attitude in resident coyote populations. Habituated coyote
behavior needs to be reshaped to encourage coyotes to avoid contact with humans and pets.
Hazing—also known as "fear conditioning" -is the process that facilitates this change and is by
necessity a community response to negative encounters with coyotes.The more often an individual
animal is hazed,the more effective hazing is in changing coyote behavior.
Hazing employs immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage
undesirable behavior or activity. Deterrents include loud noises, spraying water, bright lights,
throwing objects, shouting. Hazing can help maintain a coyote's fear of humans and discourage
them from neighborhoods such as backyards and play areas. Hazing does not harm or damage
animals,humans or property. Behavioral change also involves human activities such as how to
identify and remove attractants and how to responsibly protect pets.
Foundation of Hazing
a) It is not economically, ecologically or in other ways efficient to try and eradicate coyotes
from the urban ecosystem.
b) Hazing is one piece of a long-term plan in creating safe and acceptable living situations,
increase understanding and reduce conflict between coyotes and people.
Goals of Hazing
a) To reshape coyote behavior to avoid human contact in an urban setting. Human behavior
can shape animal behavior,in either a negative or positive manner. People living in close
proximity to coyotes can remove coyote attractants,identify potentially dangerous situations
for their pets and themselves,and respond in a manner designed to change coyote behavior.
b) To provide residents information and tools to actively engage in reshaping coyote behavior
and to support feeling safe in their parks and neighborhoods.This can be accomplished by
teaching residents hazing techniques.
c) To model hazing behavior and share accurate information about coyotes among other
residents, friends and family.
d) Monitor hazing by volunteers to assess its effectiveness and determine if further action or
more aggressive hazing is needed.
e) Develop long-term community based hazing programs.
General Considerations
1. Levels of hazing need to be appropriately relevant to coyote activity.
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a) Coyotes live in open spaces and the best practice is to leave them alone and educate
the public on personal safety.
b) Coyotes are often out late at night when few people are present. This is normal
acceptable behavior. Hazing may not be necessary.
c) Exceptions: In early stages of hazing,programs should still engage animal. Coyotes
that associate danger in the presence of people under all circumstances will be
reinforced to avoid contact.
2. Hazing must be more exaggerated, aggressive and consistent when first beginning a program
of hazing.As coyotes "learn" appropriate responses to hazing,it will take less effort from
haters. Early in the process,it is extremely common for coyotes not to respond to hazing
techniques. Without a history of hazing, they do not have the relevant context to respond in
the desired outcome (to leave).
3. Techniques and tools can be used in the same manner for one or multiple animals. Usually
there is a dominant animal in a group who will respond- others will follow its lead. DO
NOT ignore, turn your back or avoid hazing because there are multiple animals instead of a
single individual.
4. The more often an individual coyote is hazed by a variety of tools and techniques and a
variety of people, the more effective hazing will be in changing that animal's future behavior.
5. Hazing must be directly associated with the person involved in the hazing actions. The
coyote must be aware of where the potential threat is coming from and identify the person.
6. Coyotes can and do recognize individual people and animals in their territories. They can
learn to avoid or harass specific individuals in response to behavior of the person and/or
pet.
7. Coyotes can be routine in habit. Identifying their normal habits can help target which habits
to change. For example, the coyote patrols the same bike path at the same time in the
morning three to five days a week. Hazers should concentrate on that time and place to
encourage the animal to adapt its routine to decrease contact with people.
8. Certain levels of hazing must always be maintained so that future generations of coyotes do
not learn or return to unacceptable habits related to habituation to people.
9. Human behavior must change to support hazing and continued identification and,if
necessary,remove possible attractants.
10. Education about exclusion techniques including how to identify and remove attractants,
personal responsibility in pet safety and having reasonable expectations are critical parts of a
coyote hazing plan.
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11. Coyotes are skittish by nature. Habituated behavior is learned and reinforced by human
behavior. Coyotes as a rule DO NOT act aggressively towards aggressive people. The one
exception is a sick or injured animal. Engaging a sick or injured animal can result in
unpredictable behavior. If this is suspected, people should not engage and remove
themselves from the situation, then immediately contact El Segundo Police Department
Dispatch at 310-524-2760.
12. Individuals involved in hazing need to be trained in explaining hazing to residents who
witness the process. They also need to explain the difference between hazing and harassment
of wildlife and goals of appropriate behavior for coexistence.
Training Program
Because coexisting with wildlife involves the community,initiating the hazing training programs and
hazing activities by volunteers must be supervised by experts.Without this support,the programs
will ultimately fail. Information should include basic training on background,coyote ecology
information, and overview of hazing, examples of techniques. Materials should be provided such as
handouts, contact information and resources when questions, comments and concerns come up
relating to coyotes.
Volunteers need to learn about coyote behavior and be aware of realistic expectations,
understanding normal versus abnormal coyote behavior and having a consistent response to
residents' concerns and comments.
Behavioral change and hazing includes the following:
a) Pet owners need to protect pets. Off-leash and unattended dogs and unattended outside cats
attract coyotes (as well as pet food).
b) Residents need to learn hazing effectiveness and techniques.A hazing program must be
instituted and maintained on a regular basis.
c) Hazing needs to be active for a sustained period of time to achieve the desired change for
the highest possible long-term success.
d) Hazing requires monitoring to assess its effectiveness and to determine if further action or
more aggressive hazing is needed.
Public Hazing Training
Hazing requires by necessity community involvement,understanding,and support. Residents are
best equipped to respond consistently and at the most opportune times in their own neighborhoods,
parks and open spaces.
1. Locations of trainings offered shall be based on data accumulated from public on coyote
activity in specific neighborhoods,parks or open space or proactively when requested by
neighborhood community or volunteer groups.
2. Trainings are free to the public.
3. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:
a) basic coyote information
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b) discussion on why coyotes are in the City
C) normal and abnormal coyote behavior
d) seasonal behavior changes-breeding season,pups, denning behavior
e) reality of dangers towards people vs. danger towards pets
0 children and coyotes
g) how human behavior influences coyote behavior
h) attractants
i) tips on deterring animals from entering private property
J) appropriate response when encountering a coyote
k) what is hazing,goals,how to engage
1) appropriate hazing techniques and tools
rn) pet safety tips
4. Updates, additional coyote information,electronic flyers and handouts distributed to
participants. Information is encouraged to be passed on to others.
5. Participants shall be notified of"hot spots" and asked to haze in the area.
6. Ask for feedback on hazing training and use of hazing techniques.
7. Participants shall email detailed accounts of encounters and hazing(Hazing interaction
reports, to volunteer haters for evaluation of program,progress, successful tools and
techniques being used, techniques and tools needed.
a) Date,location, time of day,number of coyotes
b) Initial coyote behavior, hazing behavior, coyote response
c) Effectiveness ratings
d) Tools and techniques used
e) Additional details/co ents
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r
The act of feeding wildlife is known to lead to an increase in wildlife activity. Feeding can attract
coyotes and their prey to an area leading to an increased likelihood of creating a habituated coyote(s)
resulting in increases in coyote and human interactions. California law prohibits feeding wildlife. The
El Segundo Police Department will strictly enforce the State law(s) pertaining to this activity.
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 14
§251.1. Harassment of Animals.
Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish&Game Code,no person
shall harass,herd or drive any game or nongame bird or mammal or furbearing mammal.
For the purposes of this section,harass is defined as an intentional act which disrupts an
animal's normal behavior patterns,which includes,but is not limited to, breeding, feeding or
sheltering.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE TITLE 10
§10.84.010. Providing Food for Certain Rodents or Predator Animals Prohibited.
A. Except as otherwise provided for herein,no person shall feed or in any manner provide
food to a nondomesticated rodent or a nondomesticated mammalian predator.
B. For purposes of this chapter:
1. "Rodent"includes ground squirrels;
2. "Mammalian predators"includes coyote, raccoon, fox and opossum.
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Ja
A detailed tiered response plan has been developed to provide a mechanism for identifying and
classifying different levels of human and coyote interactions. Definitions of coyote encounters are
provided in Appendix A and Appendix B, detailing coyote behavior,behavior classification and
recommended responses.
The El Segundo Police Department's Animal Control will respond to calls which involve a sick or
injured coyote(s) or if there is a public safety issue, such as a coyote(s) threatening people or resting
in an area frequented by people, such as a yard,park,playground, school, etc.
If a human is attacked and physically injured by a coyote, the El Segundo Police Department will
work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,which will be the lead investigating
agency, to thoroughly investigate the incident,identify and lethally remove the responsible coyote(s).
Lethal removal will also be considered as a last resort if there is a public safety issue (such as a
coyote(s) threatening people or resting in an area frequented by people, such as a yard,park,
playground, school,etc.) only after a thorough investigation and identification of the offending
coyote(s).
Threat Level Tiered Response
Level Green: Behavior-A coyote is seen or heard in an area. Sighting may be during the day or
night. Coyote may be seen moving through the area. Response-Education and hazing needed.
Level Yellow: Behavior-A coyote appears to frequently associate with humans or human related
food sources, and exhibits little wariness of human presence. Coyote is seen during the day resting
or continuously moving through an area frequented by people. Response-Education and aggressive
hazing needed,volunteer hazing team created.
Level Orange: Behavior-A coyote is involved in an incident(s) where there is an attended domestic
animal loss. Several level orange incidents in the same general area may indicate the presence of a
habituated coyote(s). Response-Education and aggressive hazing needed,volunteer hazing team
created, and public awareness of incident(s) and circumstances discussed. If multiple level orange
incidents have occurred in the same vicinity within a short amount of time,lethal removal may be
recommended.
Level Red: Behavior-A coyote that has been involved in an investigated and documented provoked
or unprovoked close encounter or attack on humans. Response—El Segundo staff may work to
lethally remove the responsible coyote(s) after a thorough investigation of the incident(s).
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An incident is described as a conflict between a human and a coyote where the coyote exhibits the
following behavior: coyote approaches a human and growls,bares teeth, or lunges;injures or kills an
escorted/on-leash pet. This includes attended pet loss, but not human injury. When human injury
occurs,it is defined as an "attack."The California Department of Fish and Game will investigate the
incident if a human is physically injured.
Circumstances Determine the Response
If an attack is unprovoked indicating a continued threat to human safety,El Segundo Police Animal
Control will determine a course of action,potentially including a permit for trapping. El Segundo
Animal Control will not engage in any attempts of general culling. Only specific animals will be
targeted.
In a provoked attack,El Segundo Police Animal Control will determine if circumstances indicate a
continued threat to human safety. El Segundo Animal Control will determine initial response which
may range from targeted education up to lethal removal of the involved animal.
Continued response will depend on specific details of the attack. The level of threat to human safety
will determine if continued action is needed. Continued activity may include increased educational
materials such as flyers,mailers or press releases,public meetings, and/or potentially applying for a
trapping permit.
If leg hold traps or snares are determined to be necessary,El Segundo Police will coordinate with
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on location, duration and details of trapping
attempts.
Trapping will not extend beyond one month. While the use of live traps is legal, they are proven to
be ineffective at capturing a targeted coyote and generally will not be considered. Leg hold traps or
snares will be used only as a last resort.
If there is immediate danger that requires shooting, El Segundo Police Animal Control will support
and coordinate with the El Segundo Police Department first responders. No private individual will
be authorized to discharge a firearm within the City of El Segundo.
If a coyote is lethally removed,El Segundo Police Animal Control will evaluate and determine what
educational measures and hazing techniques need to be modified in order to decrease any
reoccurrence.
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ppepl
Definitions of Encounters with Coyotes
Active coexistence: Humans and coyotes exist together. Communities decide on community space,
such as open spaces,where coyotes are appropriate and do not haze, feed,or interact with them in
these areas. Humans take an active role in keeping coyotes wild by learning about coyote ecology
and behavior,removing attractants, taking responsibility for pet safety,and hazing coyotes in
neighborhood or community spaces (except for predetermined coyote appropriate areas).
Attack: —A human is injured or killed by a coyote.
Provoked -A human-provoked attack or incident where the human involved encourages
the coyote to engage. Examples include dog off-leash in an on-leash area;dog on leash
longer than 6'in length, or a human intentionally approaches or feeds the coyote.
Unprovoked-An unprovoked attack or incident where the human involved does not
encourage the coyote to engage.
Pet Attack:
Attended aatifin l loss or injury -When a person is within 6' of the pet and the pet is on
leash and is attacked and injured by a coyote.
Dl oniestic atntiniatl loss pr injurer -A coyote injures or kills a pet.Also includes
"depredation" -predation on domestic pets. Unattended animal loss or injury is normal
behavior for a coyote.
Suspected Pet Attack: A coyote is an opportunistic feeder and may feed on animals,especially cats
that were previously killed by cars or other means. The remains may be found and indicate that the
animal was attacked by a coyote. In cases where Animal Control Officers respond to these calls,
without knowledge of an actual attack, the incident will be recorded as a suspected attack.
Encounter:An unexpected, direct meeting between a human and a coyote that is without incident.
Feeding:
l'rttetntir,'rrnal feeder -A resident or business actively and intentionally feeds coyotes
including intentionally providing food for animals in the coyote food chain.
t.T�nirnteratrtrtnal fe�rlir -A resident or business is unintentionally providing access to food.
Examples such as accessible compost, fallen fruit from trees,left open sheds and doors,pet
food left outdoors, among others.
1.1nirntent°ir.rnarl feeding— l)ird feeders:A resident or business with bird feeders that may
provide food for coyotes, e.g. birds, bird food,rodents, squirrels. Bird feeders must be kept
high enough from the ground so a coyote is unable to reach the feeding animals. The area
under the bird feeder must be kept clean and free of residual bird food.
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Hazing:Training method that employs immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an
area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity. Hazing techniques include loud noises,
spraying water,bright lights, throwing objects, shouting. Hazing can help maintain a coyote's fear of
humans and deter them from neighborhood spaces such as backyards and play spaces. Hazing does
not damage animals, humans or property.
Threat Incident: A conflict between a human and a coyote where the coyote exhibits the following
behavior: approaches a human and growls, bares teeth,or lunges;injures or kills an attended
domestic animal. A human is not injured.
to ' g Incident:A conflict between a human and a coyote where the coyote exhibits the
following behavior: follows a person with or without an attended pet on leash.A human is not
injured
Observation: The act of noticing or taking note of tracks, scat or vocalizations.
Sighting: A visual observation of a coyote(s).A sighting may occur at any time of the day or night.
Unsecured Trash: -Trash that is accessible to wildlife, e.g. individual garbage cans, bags or
uncovered or open dumpsters or trash cans over-flowing or where scattered trash is outside the
receptacle.
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Coyote Behavior, Behavior Classification and Recommended Response
II Coyote Action Classification 1 Response
Coyote heard Observation Provide educational materials and info on normal coyote behavior
Level Green
Coyote seen moving in area Sighting Provide education materials and info on normal coyote behavior
Level Green
Coyote seen resting in area Sighting Educate on hazing techniques,what to do tips
Level Green
Coyote seen resting in area Sighting 1 If area frequented by people, educate on normal behavior and haze to
with people present Level Yellow encourage animal to leave. Look for and eliminate attractants.
Coyote entering a yard Sighting Educate on coyote attractants,yard audit,provide hazing info
without pets Level Yellow
Coyote entering a yard with Encounter Educate on coyote attractants,yard audit,hazing info,pet safety
Pets Level Yellow
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Overview of Hazing
Human behavior can shape animal behavior,in either a negative or positive manner. People living in
close proximity to coyotes can remove coyote attractants,identify potentially dangerous situations
for their pets and themselves, and respond in a manner designed to change coyote behavior.
i-iur i', ,..s a raggs whereby individuals and volunteers respond in like manner to make a coyote
uncomfortable and choose to leave a situation where their presence is unwanted.
Basic hazing consists of standing your ground,never ignoring or turning your back to a coyote(s),
yelling and making unpleasant and frightening noises until the animal(s) choose to leave.
More as Wessive hazing consists of approaching an animal quickly and aggressively, throwing
Projectiles, spraying with a hose or water gun, or creating fear of contact so the animal leaves the
situation. For more options see Appendix C on hazing.
Haazin auiaust continue once it begins until than animal leaaves, otherwise, the coyote will learn to
"wait" until the person gives up. Not following through with hazing will create an animal more
resistant to hazing instead of reinforcing the image that"people are scary."
Hazing should never injure the aniniau'l. An injured animal becomes less predictable versus a
normal,healthy one who responds in a consistent and predictable manner to hazing.
Haa°ring,,;IL(.tuld l�)gSta,witclaucttgd ia_i manner (fiat, allows the coyote...to retaarn to its normal
habitat in a direction that would minimize harm to the animal. Hazing the animal in the direction of
other houses and busy streets should be avoided.
C,Liying uses as'variety of diffcrent hazin r tc �» This is critical as coyotes get used to individual
items and sounds.
Noisemaker: Voice,whistles, air horns,bells, "shaker" cans,pots,pie pans
Projectiles: sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls,rubber balls
0 Deterrents: hoses, spray bottles with vinegar,pepper spray,bear repellant,walking sticks
A common concern with hazing involves potential danger to the hazer.A coyote's basic nature is
very skittish and the nature of the species is what makes this technique successful.A normal,healthy
coyote will not escalate a situation with an aggressive person. Hazing is NOT successful with every
species of wild animal because different types of animals have different traits.
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APPOWWO:
Coyote Yard Audit Checklist
(For homeowner use) OK FIX WAYS TO MITIGATE
FOOD NEVER hand-feed or intentionally feed a coyote!
............ ...................
Pet Food i 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.
Periodicallv clean cans to reduce residual odors..
LANDSCAPING Trim vegetation to reduce hiding places and
_.......
potential denning sites.
Structures/ Restrict access under decks and sheds, around
Outbuildings woodpiles, or any other structure that can provide
cover or denning sites for coyotes or their prey.
*FENCING Enclose property with 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. *Must comply with El
Segundo Municipal Codes
PETS Never leave pet's unattended outside.
_.... ......... .....-.....
Never allow pets to °°phiy "with coyotes.
Fully enclose outdoor set':kennels.
.1.._._........................ ..... Walk Ns:�:"..t.s on a leash n...... __.. feet i length.
o longer than 6 feet in
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.
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