HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2015-03-09 #I AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 9, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU: Jill R. Ingram, City Manager
FROM: Patrick Gallegos, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: CITY OF SEAL BEACH COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 6543 approving the City of Seal
Beach Coyote Management Plan.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS:
In early 2014, the City, along with other municipalities in our region, began to
experience an increase in the amount of coyote encounters. These encounters
included numerous 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 Seal
Beach residents and a desire to manage the increased coyote activity in
neighborhoods.
Historically, coyotes have existed in and around Seal Beach, finding safe haven
in areas including the Wildlife Refuge, parts of the Naval Weapons Station, and
other areas within the City where dense brush is prevalent and human activity
limited. In addition, open spaces adjacent to Seal Beach, such as the Los
Cerritos Wetlands and Joint Forces Training Base, also provide locales where
coyotes can safely build dens and reproduce.
More recently, there have been factors that may have played a major role in the
disruption of coyote habitat and behavior. The construction of an expanded
bridge on Seal Beach Boulevard, as well as improvements made to the 1-405 and
1-605 freeways may well have played a part in increased coyote activity by the
unforeseen elimination of their dens, thereby forcing coyotes to find refuge in
dwellings closer to residents. Additionally, the prolonged drought that has
affected the region over the course of several years has limited potential food
sources for the coyote and thus, drawn the coyote to more urban areas in search
of prey.
Agenda Item
Coyotes are opportunistic, versatile carnivores that primarily eat small mammals,
such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and mice, to only 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 coyote 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, the
City took steps to modify the behavior of coyotes and increase the public's
awareness. The City held town hall meetings, hosted four workshops in
conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States, met with numerous
neighborhood groups and countless individuals, posted new signage, mailed out
flyers, publicized educational information on the City's website and local cable
channel, and utilized the services of a pest control company to remove more
aggressive coyotes. Moreover, City staff met with wildlife experts, partnered with
surrounding cities, researched coyote management plans from around the
country, and the City Council created a coyote committee consisting of
representatives from each district, two Councilmembers, a Naval Weapons
Station biologist, and the manager of Long Beach Animal Care Services who
were tasked with the responsibility of creating a coyote management plan for
SealBeach.
Coyote Management Plan
The coyote management plan produced by the coyote committee follows the
same format that many other cities have followed to manage the amplified
presence of coyotes with an emphasis on education and employing lethal means
of removal only when the safety of the public is at stake.
The City's 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 and
regulations prohibiting the feeding of wildlife, and ensuring public safety by
implementing tiered responses to coyote and human interactions. The plan
requires active participation on the part of the entire community including
residents, homeowners associations, volunteers, and City personnel. Below is a
summary of the three tiers of the plan:
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 mailers, the City Recreation Guide, and pamphlets available at City
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facilities and libraries. Educational tools will also include signage that will warn
pet owners of the presence of coyotes. Volunteer groups will be formed to better
educate residents in each of the five districts. 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.
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), which results in increases in coyote
and human interactions. California law prohibits feeding wildlife. Long Beach
Animal Control Officers 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 the coyote management plan in
Appendix A, and Appendix B provides a chart detailing coyote behavior, behavior
classification, and recommended responses.
SUMMARY
The coyote management plan is not by any means a perfect document nor a
panacea for Seal Beach. More accurately, it is a first step with the ultimate goal
of co-existing with coyotes. The success of this plan will be based on proactive
coordination by City staff and active participation by the public. In the coming
months and years, the plan may require adjustments given the adaptability of
coyotes and various environmental factors (e.g. continuing drought). The
understanding of coyote behavior and management is evolving as wildlife experts
continue to study the coyote in suburban environments. The City will need to be
flexible and re-evaluate its strategy as necessary when new information and
techniques become available.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
There is no environmental impact related to this item.
LEGAL ANALYSIS:
The City Attorney has reviewed the proposed resolution and approved as to
form.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact will vary and will be dictated by the City's response to more
aggressive coyote behavior and implementation of educational programs and
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materials, Funding for this item is expected to derive from the City's General
Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 6543 approving the City of Seal
Beach Coyote Management Plan.
SIJ MITTED BY: NOTED AND APPROVED:.
e
Patrick Gallegos Ji Ingram, ity ana e
Assistant City Manager
Attachments:
A. Resolution No. 6543
B. City of Seal Beach Coyote Management Plan
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RESOLUTION NUMBER 6543
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS„ City residents have expressed concern over purported,
apparent, or observed increase in the numbers of coyotes, sightings of coyotes,
aggressive behavior of coyotes, and a general fear of harm to life and property
caused by coyotes„ and
WHEREAS, due to the varied interests of persons and organizations
regarding actions that can be taken in the management of coyotes, a written
management plan is desirable to ensure that the varied interests are evaluated
and considered when seeking to address conflicts with coyotes,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, THAT
The Coyote Management Plan attached to this Resolution as Attachment
A is hereby APPROVED.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the Seal Beach City Council at a
regular meeting held on the 9th day of March, 2015 by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
ATTEST: Mayor
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF ORANGE } SS
CITY OF SEAL BEACH }
I, Tina Knapp, Acting City Clerk of the City of Seal Beach, do hereby certify that
the foregoing resolution is the original copy of Resolution Number 6543 on file in
the office of the City Clerk, passed, approved and adopted by the deal Beach
City Council at a regular meeting held on the '1 day of March, 2015,
City Clerk
DRAFT
City of Seal Beach
Coyote Management Pla n
City of Seal Beach
211 Eighth Street
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 431-2627
www.sealbeachca.gov
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Coyote Management Plan
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 2
Coyote Management Plan
Background 3
Difficulties Managing Wildlife 3-4
What role do coyotes play in the environment? 4
How do humans perceive coyotes? 4
Have coyote numbers increased in Seal Beach? 4-5
Monitoring and collecting data 5
Public Education and Outreach 5-6
Coyote attractants in urban areas 6-8
Hazing and behavioral change 8-9
Goals of hazing 9
Hazing process 9
Overview of hazing 9-10
Enforcement 10
Response Plan 10
Threat Level Tiered Response 10-11
Appendices
Appendix A- Definitions on Encounters with Coyotes 12-13
Appendix B- Coyote behavior, behavior classification
and recommended response 14
Appendix C- Hazing Program and Training Plan 15-20
Hazing and Behavioral Change 15
Foundation of Hazing 15
Goals of Hazing 15-16
General Considerations 16-17
Training Program 17
Public Hazing Training 18
Creating a volunteer hazing team 19
Summary of Hazing 19-20
Appendix D—Coyote yard audit checklist 21
Acknowledgements 22
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Coyote Management Plan
Executive Summary
The intent of this plan is to provide guidance for City staff in dealing with coyotes in Seal
Beach. 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
Seal Beach residents, businesses or homeowner associations in pursuit of their legal
rights in dealing with coyotes.
Management Strategy
City 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 and regulations 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, homeowners associations, volunteers and
City personnel.
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
mailers, the City Recreation Guide and pamphlets available at City facilities and libraries.
Educational tools will also include signage that will warn pet owners of the presence of
coyotes. 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.
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. Long Beach Animal Control Officers 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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Coyote Management Plan
Coyote Management Plan
Background
The City of Seal Beach 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 a common and important integral part of our ecosystem.. The City contracts
with the City of Long Beach Bureau of Animal Control (Bureau) for animal control
services in Seal Beach. The Bureau was originally created to deal with problems arising
from stray dogs and to enforce laws pertaining to them. Wildlife to a small degree has
been included in the scope of the services that the Bureau provides as need has arisen
due to proximity to natural habitat which has resulted in wild animals being involved in
distress situations In which they require rescue.
Long Beach Animal Control Officers do not respond to calls for service for normal coyote
behavior, such as sightings. These calls will be recorded and documented. However,
they 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.
Difficulties Managing Wildlife
Although Seal Beach places a high value on its wildlife, some species adapted to urban
environments have the potential for problems and/or conflicts in specific situations. In
addressing problems, the City promotes policies supporting prevention and
implementation of remedial measures that do not harm the wildlife or their habitats.
A wildlife problem is defined as any situation that causes a health or safety issue to its
residents. In cases where problems with wildlife are associated with human behavior
(leaving garbage exposed or intentional wildlife feeding), ordinances and enforcement
may be enacted to minimize conflict.
In some cases, particular or traditional management tools are ineffective. For example,
relocation of animals is not ecologically sound and is not allowed in California without
permission from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). Generally,
relocated animals do not survive the transfer. If they do, they rarely stay in the
relocation area and tend to disperse to other locations 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 DFW rarely allows relocation of
wildlife.
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Coyote Management Plan
As a last resort, lethal control measures, when employed, are controversial and non-
selective. If they are used, they 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 the environment?
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 coyotes?
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 Seal Beach residents supports the
need for strong and consistent educational messages to clarify management techniques.
Have coyote numbers increased in Seal Beach?
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 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.
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Coyote Management Plan
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 City
officials. Long Beach Animal Care Services records and tracks coyote sightings or
incidents (See Appendix A for definitions). Coyote sightings/incidents can be made
using the available online reporting form at
http.11www,longbeach.govZacs/wild,li fe re ort default.as # or by calling (562) 570-
7387.
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.
Public Education and Outreach
Education is the key to having residents make appropriate decisions regarding their
safety or managing their property and pets. This involves decreasing attractants,
increasing pet safety 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
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is normal acceptable behavior and does not indicate aggression. Education and
outreach include:
a) Understanding human safety, pet safety, coyote attractants, deterrents to
coyotes on private property, including appropriate fencing, exclusion techniques,
"what to do" tips, and information on appropriate hazing techniques.
b) Developing a common language and awareness of normal versus abnormal
behavior when discussing encounters with coyotes (see definitions in Appendix
A)
c) Dissemination of information to residents, businesses and schools through the
City's website, Seal Beach-TV, media, fliers/handouts, mailers, etc.
d) Cooperating with non-profit organizations like the Humane Society of the United
States and agencies like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that
provide public education materials, programs, and expertise.
Coyote attractants in urban areas.
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.
f) 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
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Coyote Management Plan
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.
a) In dry conditions, water can be as alluring as food, so remove water
bowls set outside for pets and make watering cans unavailable.
3. Access to shelter. Parks, greenbelts, open spaces, golf courses, buildings, sheds,
decks and crawl spaces, etc., increase the amount and variability of cover for
coyotes. They allow coyotes to safely and easily remain close to people, pets,
homes and businesses without detection.
a) In the spring, when coyotes give birth and begin to raise young, they
concentrate their activities around dens or burrows In which their young
are sheltered. Coyotes may take advantage of available spaces under
sheds or decks for use as a den, bringing them into close contact with
people and pets.
4. Unattended Pets. Pets are a normal part of an urban landscape. Within their
territory, coyotes may consider pets as potential prey or potential competitors.
a) Free-roaming pets, especially cats and sometimes small dogs, may attract
coyotes into neighborhoods. The best way to minimize risk to pets is to
not leave them outside unattended.
b) Cats. Coyotes primarily eat small mammals such as mice and rats, but will
also prey on slightly larger mammals such as rabbits and groundhogs.
Approximately the same size as a groundhog or rabbit, free-roaming
outdoor cats may also be seen as eligible prey items by coyotes. It is
important to note that attacks on cats are normal coyote behavior and do
not indicate a danger for people. The only way to protect cats from
coyotes (and the other dangers of outdoor life such as cars, disease, dogs
and other wildlife) is to keep cats indoors (or only let them outside in a
secure enclosure or when accompanied by a person and under the
control of a leash and harness).
c) Feral cats. People who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes
might prey 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 can be helpful:
L Feed cats only during the day and at a set time—and pick up any
leftovers immediately.
ii. Provide escape routes for cats.
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iii. Haze coyotes seen on the property (see Appendix C). Making
them feel uncomfortable will encourage them to stay out of the
area.
d) Dogs. are also vulnerable to coyote confrontations. These incidents
generally involve coyotes who are accustomed or habituated to people
(usually due to wildlife feeding), or coyotes who are protecting their
territory and pups (usually during breeding season).
L Small, unattended dogs may be seen as potential prey for
coyotes. It is important to either keep dogs on a leash six feet long
or shorter when outdoors 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 a danger for people.
ii. Although attacks on larger dogs are rarer, coyotes will sometimes
go after a large dog when they feel that their territory is
threatened. This generally occurs during the coyote breeding
season, which takes place from January through March. During
this time, it is especially important not to let dogs outside
unattended and to keep them on leashes (six feet long or less)
when in public areas.
Other domestic animals kept outside, such as rabbits, may also be viewed as prey by
coyotes. 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 a tool to help
recognize and remove attractants in their yards and neighborhoods.
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. 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 Seal Beach
(and other parts of Southern California), for a very long time.
Hazing and Behavioral 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.
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Coyote Management Plan
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 (see Appendix C for coyote hazing overview).
Goals of Hazing
The goals of hazing are to:
a) Reshape coyote behavior to avoid human contact in an urban setting.
b) Give residents tools to actively engage in reshaping coyote behavior and to
support feeling safe in their parks and neighborhoods.
c) Model hazing behavior and share accurate information about coyotes with other
residents, friends and family.
Hazing Process
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.
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.
Overview of Hazing
Hazing is a process whereby a number of individuals encountering a coyote 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 aggressive 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.
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Hazing must continue once it begins until the animal leaves, 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 animal. An injured animal becomes less predictable
versus a normal, healthy one who responds in a consistent and predictable manner to
hazing.
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.
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. Long Beach Animal Control Officers 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.
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.
Threat Level Tiered Response
Level Red: A coyote that has been involved in an investigated and documented
provoked or unprovoked close encounter or attack on humans. City staff may work to
lethally remove the responsible coyote(s) after a thorough investigation of the
incident(s).
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Level Orange: 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). 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 Yellow: 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. Education
and aggressive hazing needed, volunteer hazing team created.
Level Green: 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. Education and hazing needed.
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Coyote Management Plan
Appendix A
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 animal 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.
Domestic animal loss or injury - 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
Intentional feeding - A resident or business actively and intentionally feeds coyotes
including intentionally providing food for animals in the coyote food chain.
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Coyote Management Plan
Unintentional feeding - 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.
Unintentional feeding — bird 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.
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.
Stalking 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 Management Plan
Appendix B
Coyote behavior, behavior classification and recommended response
Coyote Action Classification 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 If area frequented by people, educate on normal behavior and haze
with people present Level Yellow to 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 Encounter 7-iducat-e-on-
coyote attractants, yard audit, hazing info, pet safety
with pets Level Yellow
Co o...... ...................... ...Y_.....______.......__ _..__..................m....._ _ . .........................................................
._...._..._..__...
Coyote entering and and Pet Attack Develop hazing team in area, gather info on specific animals
injuring or killing pet w/o Level Orange involved, report on circumstances, educate on coyote attractants,
people present yard and neighborhood audits, pet safety
.........................._............. ...._.......................................................................... ......................................, ........ .... ... :
Coyote biting or injuring Pet Attack Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances,
unattended pet/pet on Level Orange educate on coyote attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing,
leash longer than 6' pet safety
...... .. ............... . uu .__..uu...._...__...... _uuu
Coyote following or Encounter Educate on hazing techniques and what to do tips. Lethal removal
approaching a person w/o Level Red recommended.
pet(Stalking)
Coyote following or Sighting Educate on hazing techniques and what to do tips and pet safety,
approaching a person & Encounter Lethal removal recommended.
pet(Stalking) Level Red
Coyote entering yard or Encounter Gather info on specific animals involved, document circumstances,
home with people & pets, Level Red educate on coyote attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing,
no injury occurring I pet safety. Lethal removal recommended.
Coyote biting or injuring Pet Attack Gather info on specific animals involved, document circumstances,
attended pet/ pet on leash Level Red educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing,
6' or less pet safety. Lethal removal recommended.
_............................................................................................... ............................................... ................................... .........................._.._............
Coyote aggressive, showing Threat Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances,
teeth, back fur raised, Level Red educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits,
lunging, nipping w/o aggressive hazing, pet safety. Lethal removal recommended.
contact
Coyote biting or injuring Attack Identify and gather information on specific animal involved, report
person Level Red circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood
audits, hazing, and pet safety. City staff will inform the California
Department of Fish and Game. Lethal removal recommended.
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Coyote Management Plan
Appendix C
Hazing and Behavioral Change
Some urban coyotes have become comfortable in close proximity to people. To safely
coexist, it's important to modify this behavior and attitude in resident coyote
populations. Urban coyote behavior needs to be reshaped to encourage coyotes to
avoid contact with humans and pets
Hazing is the process that facilitates this change and is by necessity a community
response to 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.
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Coyote Management Plan
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.
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 hazers. 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.
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Coyote Management Plan
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.
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 Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387.
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.
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Coyote Management Plan
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
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
f) 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
m) 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 hazers 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/comments
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Coyote Management Plan
Creating a Volunteer Hazing Team
A group of volunteers trained in coyote hazing techniques can be quite useful to
respond to coyote conflicts in public areas (such as parks, playgrounds, etc.). The
following guidelines are suggested for managing a volunteer hazing team:
1. Volunteers should be trained in proper coyote hazing techniques (as discussed
above).
2. Volunteers should be added to a Community Citizen Volunteer email list, from
which they will be notified of"hot spots" and asked to haze in the area.
3. Updates, additional coyote information, electronic flyers and_ handouts should be
sent to members of the Community Citizen Volunteer group to disseminate to
the general public.
4. Volunteers should fill out a Hazing Interaction Report after each hazing activity.
Summary of Hazing
Hazing is a process 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 aggressive 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. Note: Many projectiles are not legal including but not
limited to slingshots, paintballs, guns and pepper balls.
Hazing must continue once it begins until the animal leaves, otherwise, the coyote will
learn to "wait" until the person gives up. The coyote will create an animal more
resistance to hazing instead of reinforcing the image that "people are scary".
Hazing should never iniure the animal. An injured animal becomes less predictable
versus a normal, healthy one who responds in a consistent and predictable manner to
hazing.
Hazing should be conducted in a manner that allows the coyote to return 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.
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Coyote Management Plan
Hazing uses a variety of different hazing tools. 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.
• Deterrents: hoses, spray bottles with vinegar, pepper spray, bear repellant,
walking sticks
Note: Additional Hazing tips can be found on the City's website at
www.sealbeachca.gov
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Coyote Management Plan
Appendix D
Coyote Yard Audit Checklist
(For municipal or homeowner use)
._.. ..._.......................
OK FIX Ways to Mitigate
..._
FOOD NEVER hand-feed or intentionally feed a coyote!
.. ....... ... ...-._ .. _.
Pet Food Never feed pets outdoors; store all pet food securely indoors.
Water Sources Remove water attractants such as water. ._. ) y
( pet water bowls in dr
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.
Mid Grills Clean up food around barbeque grills after each use.
. ......... .....M ........ .............................._.........
Trash Secure all trash containers with locking lids and place curbside
the morning of trash pickup. Periodically clean cans to reduce
residual odors.
........................................ .......... ............
LANDSCAPING Trim vegetation to reduce hiding places and potential denning
sites.
Structures/Outbuildings Restrict access under decks and sheds, around woodpiles, or any
other structure that can provide cover or denning sites for ---coyotes
or their prey.
_W ......._.................................. ..._.........�
*FENCING Enclose property with an *8-foot fence (or 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 SB Codes
PETS Never leave pets unattended outside.
Never allow pets to "play" with coyotes.
_w_............................ __ ...... ._..._ _ ....._
Fully enclose outdoor pet kennels.
�....._�. _............_ ................_._.. ........._ ............
Walk pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length,
W
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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Coyote Management Plan
Acknowledgements
The City would like to acknowledge the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and
the Long Beach Bureau of Animal Care Services for assisting the City's efforts on the
coyote management plan. The City would also like to acknowledge the Seal Beach
Coyote Committee for their diligence and commitment, and for crafting a balanced plan
on the issue of the urban coyote in Seal Beach.
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