Coyote Activity Prompts Action And Safety Reminders In Laguna Beach

Press release from the City of Laguna Beach:

May 15, 2020

Laguna Beach, CA – Following a coyote attack on a resident this morning near Oak Street and Temple Terrace, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the US Department of Agriculture are working to capture the coyote in question. The City is asking residents to be vigilant and alert until the coyote is captured. The City would also like to take this opportunity to remind residents of important safeguards to protect themselves and their pets and property from these wild animals.
Like most communities located in semi-rural areas, Laguna Beach has active coyote populations. Due to the brushy canyon areas and natural “den” type rock formations, our hillsides provide an attractive environment for coyotes and other animals. However, coyotes do not require open space to survive, and have successfully adapted to living in close proximity to humans.
Coyotes are most active at dusk and dawn, and in urban environments they are more active at night but they can be seen at any time of day. The only threat coyotes usually pose is to pets that are allowed to run loose. Animal Services recommends that pets not be let outside during evening hours unless the owner is next to the pet to prevent a coyote attack.
A Laguna Beach Animal Control Officer will respond to coyote calls if a coyote is seen in the daytime in areas around people, especially children, or anytime there is an attack or threatening behavior towards a person or pet. If you have any concerns regarding wild animals, or see a coyote in a residential area, please call Laguna Beach Animal Services at (949) 497-0701. You may also report coyote sightings to coyotes@lagunabeachcity.net.

This press release was produced by the City of Laguna Beach>. The views expressed here are the author’s own.