Coyote sightings increase in Bel-Air

Coyotes are part of the urban wildlife here in our hillside communities, but sightings in Bel-Air have become more frequent, especially in the Stone Canyon Road area of Bel-Air.

Why?

One reason is the coyote’s displacement from loss of habitat from construction sites — especially the massive sites — that demolish all foliage and trees from lots in order to build.

One Bel-Air resident blames the numerous and ambitious speculative construction sites.  For example, on Stone Canyon Road, there is the 1516 Stone Canyon construction site (Robert Quigg, Developer), who removed trees and foliage from an entire ravine to build — what is believed to be — a golf course. “This excavation and use of chemical vegetation retardant removed an entire habitat area and that may have forced some coyotes onto the Stone Canyon residential streets."

What are ways to make the residential streets less attractive for coyotes?

• Ensure that all garbage is picked up and disposed in proper garbage bins. This includes litter from construction sites and food trucks.

• Residents should not leave food out for other wildlife.

For more information on coyotes and the increasing number of coyote attacks, please click here to read a useful and interesting report from 89.3 KPCC Environmental & Science segment, “Coyote Attacks are Increasing in Southern California. Why?”

If Bel-Air residents wish to report a coyote sighting or—more importantly—report aggressive behavior of coyotes, please contact the BAA office. The BAA has a Wildlife Watch Program, chaired by Jamie Meyer, in case you want to participate on that committee. 

Below is a message from Jamie Meyer, Chairperson of the BAA's Wildlife Watch Program with regard to coyotes:

Hi Everyone,

There has been a significant increase in coyote sighting in the last few weeks.  In particular, Somma Way, lower Stone Canyon, and Stradella/Sarbonne have reported much coyote sightings.  Moreover, residents are reporting see two or three coyotes roaming the streets together.  

WE ARE ASKING EVERYONE TO PLEASE REPORT ALL COYOTE ACTIVITY TO BAACOYOTEREPORT@GMAIL.COM.  Please include the day/time of the sighting, details and the location.  By having these reports, we can determine the cause (such as food left at construction sites) of the increase in aggressive coyote behavior.

Please make sure to limit coyote attractants such as small animals/food/water left outside at any time.  All outdoor trash bins must have lids securely fastened.  

Also, if you see a coyote, it is crucial that you employ scare tactics. Make noise by banging pots and pans or using an air horn or whistle. Throw small stones, sticks, tennis balls or anything else you can lay your hands on. Remember the intent is to scare and not to injure. Spray with a hose, if available, or a squirt gun filled with water and vinegar. It is natural for coyotes to be in our hillsides. However, it becomes a potential safety concern if they feel comfortable close to our homes. 

Many have you have expressed a concern for the safety of your animals.  The most effective means of protecting your animals is to coyote proof your property.  Remember, coyotes are capable of jumping 6-7 foot fences and can scale chain link fences over 14 feet.  They can also dig under fences up to six inches.  If you have any particular questions about coyote proofing your property, please contact Jamie Meyer at baacoyotereport@gmail.com and she will be happy to assist you.