In Santa Monica, the aftermath of the Palisades Fire has spurred a notable increase in coyote sightings in urban neighborhoods, a phenomenon confirmed by local authorities and reported by KTLA. The fire left a significant portion of the Santa Monica Mountains barren, forcing wildlife like coyotes to seek refuge and sustenance in more populated areas.
This influx of coyotes has prompted the city to update its advisory on how residents should deal with the new four-legged residents; as coyotes are highly adaptable and could become a common sight, seeking resources like trash, pet food or even small pets which can unfortunately lead to them losing their natural wary of humans and it's why folks are being given a crash course in hazing, that is scaring them away without causing harm, reports the Santa Monica Police Department via a Facebook post.
Residents are encouraged to take practical measures for coyote management that include securing garbage bins with tight-fitting lids and bringing pet food indoors. Additionally, with coyotes tending to be more active during dusk and dawn, it is advised that pets be kept inside during these peak times. The city's revamped "How to Live Safely with Urban Coyotes" webpage asserts that overgrown vegetation should be trimmed to remove potential hiding spots for the animals.
The Santa Monica Police's social media cautions residents to avoid fleeing or feeding coyotes. Instead, they should make themselves appear larger and employ loud noises, like clapping hands or shaking a can filled with coins. This strategy helps maintain the natural order by reinforcing the coyotes' instinct to avoid humans; meanwhile, for more intensive insights on safely coexisting with the creatures, Santa Monica's dedicated public page on coyote cohabitation provides extensive guidance and should be everyone's go-to resource for the latest expert advice and recommendations.
With the denning season running from February through June, sightings may become even more common, so being vigilant and reporting aggressive behavior to Santa Monica Animal Control at (310) 458-8595 is essential.
