Coyote-Safe Neighborhood Checklist
Arm Yourself and Neighbors with Knowledge
• Learn about coyotes https://humanecontrol.com/coyote/
• Learn how to effectively haze 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, desensitize it 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.
Barbecues
• 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 - EVER!
Stray, Feral, "Community" and Free-Roaming Cats
• Learn about the TENVAC process for managing community cats.
• Keep food out of reach of wildlife, including birds.
Additional 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.
