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Coyotes

As some local residents have recently discovered, coyote attacks have risen in the areas of Chino Hills and Lake Arrowhead as well as the capture of a mountain lion in the city of La Verne. The Inland Valley Humane Society is aware of this increase of sightings and is making every available effort to monitor and combat the growing problem of coyote sightings/attacks in the area.

Many cities in our service area have instructed city personnel to keep a watchful eye out for coyotes and other such wildlife in public areas.

Urban wildlife is an important part of our environment. The Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. does not advocate trapping, removal, relocation or eradication of healthy wildlife. Wildlife experts agree that removing wildlife from the urban environment creates a hole in the ecosystem for other similar animals to fill. Relocation to other areas is not recommended because it is generally a death sentence for the animal being introduced, and it may spread parasites or diseases to the animals already living there. The Humane Society encourages the public to learn more about wildlife and appreciate its existence.

In the event that a coyote or other form of wildlife becomes aggressive towards humans, please call you local Police Department and they will respond and do what they deem necessary to preserve the safety of its citizens. Should a human being come into contact with aggressive wildlife, the State and Federal Department of Fish and Game will be contacted to evaluate the incident and determine the appropriate actions for relocation, or in some cases, extermination of the animal.

The best way to keep wildlife away from homes is to eliminate food and water sources by tightly closing trash cans, placing pet food and water inside, and keeping pets in doors at night. The State Department of Fish and Game provides the following tips for people living in "coyote county:"

• Never feed or attempt to tame wildlife. The result may be deadly, and can cause conflicts with pets, livestock, or serious injuries to small children.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended. Coyotes hunt small game and young children and/or pets may be more tempting than a coyote can pass up.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house. This form of lighting tends to startle the animal causing it to leave the area.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places. Coyotes can hide and therefore stalk there prey from hidden areas such as bushes and shrubs.
• Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring. Spring is litter season for most animals, coyotes included. The animal may be more defensive when feeding and protecting its young.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal's direction.

If you spot a coyote or other form of large wildlife (mountain lion, bobcat, etc.), please call the Inland Valley Humane Society Wildlife Officer at 909-623-9777, ext. 673. However, if there is an encounter in which the wildlife is acting aggressively towards a human being, dial 9-1-1 and your local police department will respond.