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Published on October 04, 2024
Pasadena Public Health Department Educates on Safe Coyote Coexistence and Hazing TechniquesSource: Christopher Bruno, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As coyotes become a more common sight in Pasadena neighborhoods, local authorities are urging residents to take proactive measures to minimize conflicts with the wildlife. The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is at the forefront, disseminating information aimed at educating the community on how to coexist safely with these native creatures.

Acting Director of Public Health, Manuel Carmona, highlighted a crucial point in an effort to raise awareness: "Coyotes are naturally fearful of people and typically go out of their way to avoid human interaction," Carmona told the City of Pasadena. He added that when coyotes lose their instinctual fear, it's often a sign of humans unintentionally or intentionally feeding them, which is a behavior that needs immediate attention.

"We all have a role to play in maintaining coyote’s fear of humans and hazing is the most important action we can take to safely coexist with coyotes," Carmona mentioned, as stated by the City of Pasadena. When encountering a coyote, the department recommends making oneself appear larger, maintaining eye contact, and employing aggressive actions such as loud noises or throwing objects near the coyote without hitting it to induce it to leave.

Dog owners, in particular, are encouraged to remain vigilant. "It is important to create a culture of bold and consistent hazing to prepare for the possibility of encountering coyotes when walking pets," Lauren Hamlett, Director of Wildlife Education and Services of Pasadena Humane, explained. Recommendations include using fixed-length leashes for walks, supervising pets closely, and avoiding areas known for coyote sightings, especially during their denning seasons in spring and summer.

For further details on living alongside coyotes and hazing techniques, community members can visit the Pasadena Humane website.