Coyote-Smart Los Angeles Neighborhood Checklist
Arm Yourself and Neighbors with Knowledge
- Learn about coyotes https://humanecontrol.com/coyote/los-angeles/
- Learn how to effectively haze a coyote https://humanecontrol.com/coyote/hazing
- Learn how to protect yourself against aggressive domestic dogs.
- Share information with neighbors, property manager / landlord.
- Organize an educational event for your block or neighborhood.
Be Prepared
- Be prepared with hazing props, if you feel you need them.
- If you walk with a dog and need props, desensitize him/her to hazing / hazing props.
Reduce Attractants
Handling of garbage and green waste
- Do not allow garbage or recycling bins to become overfilled. Lids must shut.
- Be sure lids are secure and functioning properly. Replace if damaged.
- Never compost meat, bones or dairy.
- Keep discarded meat/dairy frozen until trash day.
Composting
- Be sure the bin is secure and animals cannot gain access.
Barbeques
- Clean after each use. Keep drip-tray clean and inaccessible by animals.
Birdseed/squirrel feeders
- Seed attracts rodents and the animals that prey on them.
- (a) Remove feeder
- (b) Install a rodent barrier system.
Harborage (shelter and hiding spots)
Dense vegetation and debris piles attract rodents and animals that prey on them.
- Remove any debris or brush piles.
- Keep grass trimmed and vegetation thinned.
Lollipop pruning of shrubs opens the base but leaves a full canopy.
- Inspect home’s exterior for any openings, holes, gaps.
- Make necessary repairs to prevent animals from accessing shelter.
- Include decks and landing.
Take precautions to not entrap nocturnal animals within structures.
Garden and Fruit Trees
Garden vegetables and fruit attract rodents and other wildlife including canids.
- Ensure ripe and fallen fruit is picked / removed daily.
- Prevent mammals from accessing garden/orchard.
Livestock & Poultry
Animal feed / bedding can attract rodents and other wildlife.
- Exclude rodents from access to stored food / bedding.
- Reduce or eliminate rodent access to animal enclosure(s).
- House animals in predator-proof enclosures.
- Never let the animals roam freely, unguarded.
Companion Animal Care and Feeding
- Do not leave pet food where it is accessible to wildlife.
- Remove pet feces from the yard, daily.
- Keep cats contained for their safety.
Catios and Cat Gardens allow cats to enjoy the outdoors safely.
- On walks, do not use leashes longer than 6’.
- Do not leave small dogs in the yard, unattended.
Stray, Feral and Free-Roaming Cats
- Learn about the TENVAC process for managing community cats.
https://humanecontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TENVAC-Cat-Management-Program.pdf
- Keep food out of reach of wildlife, including birds.
Preventive Measures
- Consider predator-proof fencing and other wildlife and rodent barrier systems.
- Report deliberate or unintentional feeding of wild animals to authorities.
- Report stray cats and / or stray or feral cat feeding locations to authorities.
- Report recurring gatherings of crows and or pigeons at one location to authorities.
- Report overflowing trash receptacles to authorities.
Report Sightings: help us track coyote activity in the greater Los Angeles Area.
