Thursday, April 4, 2019
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Volume 64 | Number 33
www.DesertMobileHomeNews.com
CELEBRATING THE RESIDENTIAL PARK COMMUNITIES FOR 64 YEARS
Animal Control Reports Increase in Coyote Sightings
T
he City of Palm Springs would like to alert the community that there has been an increase in the number of reported coyote sightings. Coyotes are drawn to residential neighborhoods in search of food, water, shelter – and unfortunately, pets. Palm Springs Animal Control is aware of several instances where pet dogs and cats have been injured or killed by coyotes. This activity occurs throughout the city and is not isolated to or concentrated in any particular areas. While this activity is concerning for the safety of pets, it does not indicate an increased threat or danger for coyote attacks on humans.
Coyotes are naturally fearful of humans, but they can become less cautious and more brazen when they find access to food, water and pets in areas populated by people. Trapping and euthanizing coyotes have not proven to be effective options to decrease or eliminate coyote populations.
Palm Springs Animal Control recommends “coyote hazing” as the most effective practice for avoiding and discouraging coyotes. There are a wide variety of hazing options residents can use if you and your pet are approached by a coyote, including yelling and waving your arms, using whistles, air horns, bells, or homemade noisemakers, spraying a coyote with water, vinegar water or pepper spray or throwing small objects in the direction of the coyote until it leaves the area entirely. Never run from a coyote.
For additional info about coyote hazing or to request an Animal Control Officer at a neighborhood meeting, please contact the Palm Springs Animal Control office at 760-323-8151.
Here are some additional steps you can take to keep yourself and your pets safe • Keep lids secure on garbage cans and compost bins. • Remove standing water including outdoor pet water bowls. • Collect fruit that has fallen to the ground from fruit trees. • Keep cats and small dogs indoors unless outside with them, and bring them in at night when hunting coyotes are most active. • Do not try to feed or tame coyotes. This type of habituation can cause the coyote to see the human as a source of food, leading to overly aggressive coyote populations who no longer fear humans. California Department of Fish and Game even coordinates a campaign called “Keep Me Wild,” which protects both humans and coyotes. • Do not try to “eradicate” coyote populations with poison and fire arms. Not only is this cruel if the coyotes have a den of pups waiting to be fed, but also it opens up the habitable territory for another searching predator and creates more problems than it solves.