Wildlife Rescue Raises Reward for Silver Lake Coyote Killer

Silver Lake, CA - A wildlife rescue organization added $5,000 today to the reward money being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who fatally shot a coyote in Silver Lake.

A team of volunteers from Wildlife Emergency Services plans to canvass the area in the coming days, posting reward flyers.

The Los Angeles Police Department and city Department of Animal Services are investigating the shooting, which occurred last month on Fernwood Avenue, amid an uptick in coyote sightings in the area.

Earlier this week, Project Coyote, a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization, offered a $1,000 reward today for information leading to the shooter.

"The shooting of this coyote in a residential Los Angeles neighborhood is not only illegal, but also an act of animal cruelty putting people and other animals in danger," according to Camilla Fox, founder and executive director of Project Coyote. "Such reckless and dangerous behavior should not be tolerated."

Some residents have said coyote sightings have become a regular occurrence in the area, forcing them to keep a closer watch on pets.

Randi Feilich of Project Coyote is pushing the city to enact a coyote- management plan that includes educational outreach and encourages co-existence.

"We hope that anyone with information will come forth so this killer can be convicted," Feilich said.
The organizations urged anyone with information about the shooting to call police at (213) 486-0450, or anonymously by calling (800) 222-8477.

City News Service; Photo: National Park Service