Coyote are indigenous to the Verdugo Mountains and sightings in adjacent residential areas are common. Typically, they are more active in the spring when caring for their young and in search of food and water, but we are seeing them more at all times of the year. Coyotes are naturally fearful of humans, but may become less apprehensive if given easy access to food and garbage.
The following precautions have been provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist residents in communities where coyotes frequent:
- Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes.
- Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting or sprinklers around the house.
- Trim ground level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
- If followed by a coyote, make loud noises and/or throw rocks in its direction.
- Put garbage in tightly closed containers that can’t be tipped over.
- Remove sources of water.
- Do not leave pet food outside.
- Bring pets in at night.
- Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
- Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other small pets.
- Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
- Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.
See this brochure about “hazing,” which is packed full of tips: Coyote Hazing Guide Coyotes play a key role in the ecosystem by helping keep rodent populations under control.
Mindful consideration of the precautions listed above will create a manageable co-habitation between the city’s residents and local wildlife. For questions concerning this issue, please contact Burbank Animal Control at (818) 238-3340 during normal business hours. After hours, please contact Burbank Police at (818) 238-3000.
