PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS Cont’d Learning to Live with the Urban Coyote

By Linda Brockmiller, photos by Tom Brockmiller

offensive. The advice given is to throw rocks, make noise and appear “large and loud.” The guidance is to never run away. Dog owners should always walk their dogs on a leash, preferably not the retractable style. Residents should also avoid leaving food or water outside or permitting household animals to be unattended. Fences are not a deterrent, and ironically Casta del Sol’s beautiful landscape provides a degree of seclusion.

Too often there are notices of lost dogs and cats within our community that were sometimes forcefully removed from back patios. Coyotes are very smart and are survivalists. They follow patterns of behavior by humans with regard to pets. Awareness is key to avoiding unwanted attacks.

There were many comments at the conclusion of the presentation displaying a change in attitude. This understanding can lead to a comfortable co-existence. That, as well as being “large and loud” should do the trick.

The Mission Viejo Animal Shelter provided small blow horns as well as fully descriptive brochures to the attendees. The Canine Club also has blow horns available for residents. If you would like one, please contact Tom Brockmiller at ferrariracer@ cox.net or (949) 584-8061.

More information may be found online at www.cityofmissionviejo.org by searching “Local Wildlife.”

On May 24, Casta del Sol’s Canine Companions Club provided a chance for residents to attend a presentation entitled Learning to Live with the Urban Coyote. Thanks to Officers J.R. Stewart and Nick Ross and the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter volunteers for this very informative meeting that was attended by more than 100 interested people.

There are many theories and beliefs by those who fear and/or are uninformed about this wily creature. The coyote is here to stay. Learning to understand them, as well as not be fearful, is a requisite of our comfortable existence, especially for those who have pets. There is no law or prejudice to eradicate the coyotes. They are scavengers and provide a degree of clean up. The rabbit population is somewhat controlled and would be rampant otherwise.

The facts are well researched. There are very few known attacks on humans by coyotes, as they prefer avoidance. Coyotes are shy and the best defense for humans is to be