Burbank Animal Control officials are warning residents of increased coyote activity as the season changes.
The organization sent out a community awareness alert to residents in an effort to increase safety in neighborhoods.
“Coyotes are indigenous to the Verdugo Mountains,” city officials said. “Sightings of them in adjacent residential areas are common. Typically, they are more active in the spring when caring for their young or searching for food and water.”
According to the community alert, coyotes are naturally fearful of humans but may become less apprehensive if given easy access to human food and garbage. The biggest source of conflict between humans and coyotes is due to pet injury or loss. Without human protection, pets can be treated like potential prey.
The following precautions have been provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist residents in communities where coyotes frequent:
• Do not leave small children or pets unattended while outdoors, even in fenced yards.
• Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting or sprinklers around the house.
• Trim ground level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
• Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, and other small pets.
• Bring pets in at night and close pet doors.
• Keep cats safely indoors, especially when dark.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in its direction.
• Check your yard before letting pets out. Coyotes will sometimes hide in yards.
• Always keep pets on short leashes for more control. Avoid retractable leashes.
• Pick up small pets if a coyote is spotted.
• Be prepared and carry noisemakers to scare off coyotes.
• Remember to use hazing techniques: get big, get loud, and shout “go away coyote.”
Coyotes play a key role in the ecosystem by helping to keep rodent populations under control. Mindful consideration of the precautions listed above will create a manageable cohabitation between the city’s residents and local wildlife.
For questions concerning coyotes, contact Burbank Animal Control at (818) 238-3340.
First published in the March 23 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
