Information Regarding Coyotes and Coyotes Sightings
The coyote is a member of the dog family, and is native to California. It closely resembles a small German shepherd dog with the exception of the long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. The coyote’s high-pitched, yodel-like yapping can frequently be heard at night.
Coyotes are extremely adaptable and can survive on whatever food
is available. Coyotes are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep
the rodent populations under control. They hunt rabbits, mice, birds, and other
small animals. Coyotes are by nature fearful of humans.
If coyotes are given access to human food, pet food, or garbage,
their behavior changes. They will
quickly lose their natural fear of people and may become bold, even aggressive.
Pets are often attacked, injured, or killed
by coyotes.
If coyotes begin frequenting your neighborhood, let them know they're not welcome. Make loud noises, throw an object at them, or spray them with a garden hose. If you or your pets are approached by an aggressive coyote, pick up your pet or keep it on a short leash, and try to frighten the coyote by shouting in a loud deep voice, and by waving your arms to make yourself appear larger. If you are seated, stand up, retreat from the situation by walking slowly backwards so that you do not turn your back on the coyote. For everyone's safety, it is essential that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans.
Report Threats and Attacks Immediately
If you see a coyote behaving aggressively or attacking a person immediately call 911.
To report a deceased animal, contact the Torrance Animal Control
Office at (310) 618-3850. The Torrance Animal Control Office is open Monday
through Thursday, and every other Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Report
coyote sightings and unusual events to the Torrance Police Department at (310)
618-5641.
Residents, especially those living near open spaces, natural
thoroughfares, or wild land preserves, are advised to give special attention to
the following Do’s and Don'ts to safely co-exist with the coyote.
DO
· Consider making
your pet an indoor pet when living in area that is known to be occupied by
coyotes.
· Keep your pet
on a short leash.
· Install
motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
· Eliminate thick
ground cover, such as ivy and low shrubs from around dwellings to reduce
protective cover for coyotes and make the area less attractive to rodents.
Coyotes and other predators may be attracted to areas where rodents are
concentrated.
· Keep yards free
from potential shelters such as thick brush and weeds, and enclose the bottoms
of porches and decks.
· Use a Coyote
Shaker: A can containing a few coins or rocks which can be shaken and thrown at
the coyote.
· Teach children
not to approach stray animals.
DON’T
· Don’t walk your
pet during dusk or dawn, when coyotes tend to be more active.
· Don’t allow
pets to stay outdoors at night.
· Don’t allow
pets to roam from home unattended.
· Don’t feed wild
animals.
· Don’t approach
or attempt to “tame” coyotes
Secure your food and trash
Allowing coyotes access to human food and garbage
is reckless and can be deadly.
Coyotes primarily hunt rodents and rabbits for food, but will take advantage of
whatever is available, including garbage, pet food, and small domestic animals.
· Do not set your
trash out for pick-up until the day of pick-up to reduce attracting predators
in the middle of the night.
· Don’t leave
trash cans uncovered
· If you leave
garbage outside, don’t use trash bags as garbage containers; coyotes can easily
rip them open and
scatter the contents.
· Feed your pets
indoors if possible
· If you do feed
your pets outdoors, food dishes should be promptly emptied and removed after
the pets have eaten.
· Don’t leave
water bowls for pets outdoors.
· Remove any
fruit which has fallen to the ground, and cover compost piles.
· Provide secure
enclosures for rabbits, poultry, and other outdoor animals.
· Ask your
neighbors to follow these tips.
Taking a few preventative measures should help deter unwanted wildlife from
visiting your property. Please remember that if the three (3) life sustaining
elements are available (food, water and shelter), you are likely to encounter
some form of wildlife in your area.
The Torrance Animal Control will respond to a situation involving most wildlife which are sick, injured, deceased, or has had physical contact with a person or domestic animal.
Torrance Animal Control
310-618-3850
Click the following link for brochure:
http://www.torranceca.gov/PDF/Coyote_Brochure.pdf
“See Something, Say Something”
Emergency 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: 310-618-5641
Provided By:
Torrance Police Department –
Community Affairs Division
310-618-6391 or 310-618-6392
www.Police.TorranceCA.Gov
www.YouTube.com/TPDCommAffairs
www.Facebook.com/TorrancePD
www.Twitter.com/TorrancePD
Address/Location
Torrance Police Department
3300 Civic Center Dr
Torrance, CA 90503
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 310-328-3456