Coyotes are indigenous to the Verdugo Mountains and sightings of them in adjacent residential areas are common during this time of year. Typically, they are more active in the spring when caring for their young and in search of food and water. Coyotes are naturally fearful of humans, but they may become less apprehensive if given easy access to human food and garbage.
The following precautions have been provided by the California Department of Fish and Game to assist residents in communities where coyotes frequent:
· Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes.
· Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
· Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
· Trim ground level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
· If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
· Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
· Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
· Do not leave pet food outside
· Bring pets in at night.
· Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
· Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, and other small pets.
· Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
· Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.
Coyotes play a key role in the ecosystem by helping to keep rodent populations under control. Mindful consideration of the precautions listed above will create a manageable co-habitation between the City’s residents and local wildlife.
For questions concerning this issue, please contact Burbank Animal Control at (818) 238-3340
