Laguna Beach Animal Services Talks Coyotes
The Village community is immediately adjacent to coyote country, making Canis latrans sightings quite common. Coyotes have little to no fear of humans and, while not normally a danger to humans, some residents are concerned for themselves and their pets.
One of the best ways to combat fear is through education. To help residents understand their coyote cohabitants, in her most recent episode of “Discovering Laguna Woods Village,” host Cyndee Whitney interviews Laguna Beach animal services officer David Pietarila to help increase awareness. Officer Pietarila shares great information about coyotes in and around the Village, tips for walking with or without a dog, insight into coyote behavior and much more.
Click here to watch this important “Discovering Laguna Woods Village” episode on the Village Television YouTube channel (youtube.com/c/VillageTelevision).
For More Information and Resources
The Laguna Beach Police Department’s Animal Services Division responds to wildlife situations in the Village. To report encounters, call 949-497-0701 or email coyotes@lagunabeachcity.net.
Take the following steps to protect your pets:
- Leave a comfortable distance between you and coyotes; they will display defensive behaviors if threatened or cornered
- Increase the distance between you and a coyote if you do encounter one that behaves aggressively (you’re probably too close to its prey or family)
- Don’t ever feed coyotes (or any wild animal—it’s illegal in California and prohibited in the Village)
- Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water
- Feed pets indoors
- Keep cats and small dogs indoors or supervise closely when outdoors
- Do not use retractable leashes for walking dogs
- Store trash in covered heavy-duty containers
- Keep yard areas and patios free from becoming potential shelter, such as thick brush and/or weeds
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
