Authorities in Santa Monica say that coyote encounters are on the rise within the city, and that is likely thanks to the Palisades Fire.
The City of Santa Monica updated their “How to Live Safely with Urban Coyotes” webpage on May 13 to reflect the increase in coyote sightings within the city, particularly north of Montana Avenue.
“Experts believe this increase is linked to the Palisades Fire, which devastated large areas of the Santa Monica Mountains and displaced numerous wildlife species, including coyotes,” the webpage reads. “As a result, these animals have ventured deeper into urban neighborhoods in search of food and shelter.”
Officials stated that coyotes are “naturally wary of humans” but are highly adaptable, and while they are normally nocturnal, they may be seen during the day, especially when displaced or during their denning season – February through June.
“Although they typically avoid humans, coyotes may become more bold or visible when they lose access to their natural habitat or food due to events like wildfires, find easy access to food in neighborhoods – such as trash, pet food or rodents – and are unintentionally habituated by human behavior such as feeding them,” Santa Monica officials said.
A list of what city residents should do was provided by city officials:
- Secure all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids
- Bring pet food indoors, especially overnight
- Keep pets inside from dusk until dawn; if outside, supervise them closely (especially small pets)
- Trim overgrown landscaping that can provide hiding spots for coyotes
Santa Monica residents are advised NOT to feed coyotes — since that causes them to lose their natural fear of humans — and are also told to NOT ignore coyotes; instead, residents should do the following:
- Stay calm and never run
- Make yourself look larger by raising your arms, standing tall
- Make loud noises including yelling, clapping, using a whistle or shaking a can of coins
- Maintain eye contact and slowly back away
- Report aggressive behavior or high-traffic area sightings by calling Santa Monica Animal Control: 310-458-8595.
For more information on coyotes, visit the National Parks Services’ “Coexisting with Coyotes” webpage.