Full Notification

·         What should I do if I see a coyote in my neighborhood?

If you spot a coyote in your neighborhood, stay indoors and ensure that your children and pets are indoors until the coyote has left the area.  Report the coyote sighting by calling the Torrance Animal Control Office at 310-618-3850.  The Torrance Animal Control Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Although Torrance Animal Control Officers will not be called out after hours to respond to a coyote sighting, residents are encouraged to report the sighting for tracking purposes.  To report a coyote sighting after business hours, please contact the Torrance Police Department at 310-618-5641. 

·         How do I respond to coyote aggression and/or attack?

If you or your pets are approached by an aggressive or fearless coyote, try to frighten it by shouting in a deep voice, waving your arms, throwing objects at the animal and looking it directly in the eyes.  Stand up if you are seated.  If you are wearing a coat or vest, spread it open like a cape so that you appear larger.  Retreat from the situation by walking slowly backward so that you do not turn your back on the coyote.  Report all incidents of coyote aggression or attack to the Torrance Animal Control Office.  In the event of an emergency, call 911.

·         What should I do if a coyote is in my backyard?

Stay in a position of safety inside of your residence and try to frighten the coyote by making noise and shouting in a deep voice.  If the coyote remains in your yard, contact the Torrance Animal Control Office, or if after business hours, contact the Torrance Police Department.  Torrance Animal Control Officers will respond to your residence and ensure that the coyote leaves your property. 

Torrance Animal Control Officers are prohibited from relocating the coyote without permission from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Torrance Animal Control will assist in the capture of wildlife that is sick, injured or posing a threat to public safety.  Torrance Animal Control does not trap wildlife that is causing a nuisance.  Trapping is not seen as a sustainable, long term solution.  The removal of one coyote generally does nothing more than create a void that is filled by another coyote.  Additionally, pets and non-targeted wild animals frequently become unintended victims of traps set for coyotes.    Residents who want a trap set for a coyote can contact a licensed wildlife trapper.  Animal trappers can be located via the internet or the phone book.  Residents can also contact the Torrance Animal Control Office for assistance in locating an animal trapper. 

·         What should I do if my pet is injured by a coyote?

It is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure that proper medical care is provide for their injured pet.  If Torrance Animal Control Officers respond to an injured pet call and the pet owner is not present, Animal Control Officers will ensure that the pet receives proper medical care.  Report all coyote attacks to the Torrance Animal Control Office.  

·         How do I keep my pets safe from coyotes?

Cats and dogs should be fed indoors, or if fed outdoors, food dishes should be promptly emptied and removed after pets have eaten. Store pet food indoors or in sealed heavy-duty containers. Use refuse containers that have tight-fitting lids to prevent raccoons, dogs, or coyotes from having access to household garbage. Keep small pets such as cats, rabbits, and small dogs indoors, or if outdoors, keep them within enclosed kennels. Large dogs should be brought inside after dark. Never allow cats or dogs to run free at any time, as they are easy prey. Because coyotes that come in contact with domestic animals may transmit diseases, vaccinate all pets for rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and other diseases, as recommended by a veterinarian.