Wildlife Groups Invite Public To Learn How To Coexist With Coyotes
By Terry Miller
Published: Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Wildlife Groups Invite Public To Learn How To Coexist With Coyotes
Meeting Called as Arcadia Has Already Snared 15 Coyotes, Including Two Juveniles
In the wake of the Arcadia City Council’s hurried decision to try to eradicate coyotes in the community through the use of painful and deadly snares, three wildlife-protection organizations and a local humane society have called an urgent meeting to raise public awareness about effective, nonlethal methods for discouraging coyotes from lingering in neighborhoods. The groups will show that Arcadia’s program-which has so far caused the agonizing deaths of 15 coyotes, two of whom were juveniles-is wholly ineffective as a means of controlling the coyote population. The program will cost $30,000 and potentially cause the death of untold numbers of “nontarget” animals such as cats, dogs, raccoons, and other local wildlife. The City Council had promised to hold a public education meeting on the issue but never did. That’s when local activists got busy and decided to take the case directly to residents with a free presentation called “Coyotes in Our Midst.” The event is being organized by San Gabriel Valley Friends of Wildlife, Project Coyote, Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA, and the Animal Welfare Institute:
Tuesday, November 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
“We love living in the foothills, but we have to respect who lives in these hills,” says Bonnie Barron, Arcadia native and founder of San Gabriel Valley Friends of Wildlife. She notes that there was a spike in local coyote sightings following last year’s Station Fire, which left countless surviving animals homeless. “Arcadia has unleashed a cruel and ineffective killing program-when all we need to keep coyotes at bay is awareness, some precautions, and kindness.”
Animals who become caught in snares slowly suffocate or endure painful injuries. When nursing mothers are caught, their babies often starve to death. As long as conditions remain inviting, more animals will simply move in to fill the void left by those who were killed. Effective means of discouraging coyotes include removing outdoor pet food, unsecured garbage, and fallen fruit and never feeding them. Because coyotes are naturally shy animals who are easily frightened, humane methods of control can be as simple as making noise or installing lights with motion detectors. Also, residents are encouraged never to allow their companion animals to roam. Cats and unguarded small dogs are invitations to coyotes.
The event’s keynote speaker will be Camilla Fox, founding executive director of Project Coyote and wildlife consultant for the Animal Welfare Institute. Fox has co-authored two books on wildlife and served as an appointed member on the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee. She currently serves on the steering committee of the international Human-Wildlife Conflict Collaboration and on several other nonprofit advisory boards. Fox also co-produced the award-winning documentary Cull of the Wild and holds a master’s degree in wildlife ecology, policy, and conservation from Prescott College.
1 Response for “Wildlife Groups Invite Public To Learn How To Coexist With Coyotes”
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Hello Terry: my name is Melissa MacDonald and I reside in the city of Laguna Hills, California. At a recent City Council meeting there was a discussion regarding the potential trapping and killing of the native coyotes of Laguna Hills. I understand that with that comes negative consequences. I have decided to take on a campaign to educate our City Council on ways to ensure peaceful coexistence between Laguna Hills residents and the native coyote population. I have read some things on this website that have been very helpful to me. I was wondering if you had further information that I could use to present to the City Council in an effort to prevent the trapping and killing from happening. Any information that you can provide me regarding this dire situation would be greatly appreciated.
I thank you up front and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Melissa MacDonald