It is an unfortunate reality, but coyotes have become a part of living in Southern California due to an abundance of resources provided by humans. We ask all residents to report coyote sightings and/or incidents directly to Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-PETS (7387). You can also report coyote sightings and/or incidents online.
Please use the Reported Coyote Activity Map to see recent coyote reports in the Signal Hill/Long Beach Area.
There are ways to prevent coyotes from entering your neighborhood and manage coyotes that have already arrived. Coyotes are by nature fearful of humans. However, they are smart and resourceful. If they are given access to resources such as food, water and shelter, they will lose that fear and caution.
Limit the resources you provide them. Do not give coyotes access to food, water, domestic animals, and garbage. It is also important that you do not leave your pets unattended outdoors. Always keep your pets on a short leash and stay close to them at all times when outside.
If you see a coyote, the best thing you can do is try to scare the animal away. This is called "hazing". Yell, make as much noise as you can, throw rocks or small objects, and try to appear threatening. This is an effective way to head off a potential incident with a coyote. Continue to aggressively haze the coyote until it leaves your immediate area.
Here are additional tips on managing and preventing coyotes:
- Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to small children.
- Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
- Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young.
- Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
- Clean up any garbage or litter that has made it out of the container or dumpster.
- Remove sources of water from outside.
- Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside.
- Avoid using bird feeders as they attract rodents and other coyote prey.
- Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other livestock.
- Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
- Share this information with your neighbors.