CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Urban Coyote Management Workshop CITY OF TORRANCE TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016

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1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Urban Coyote Management Workshop TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016

2 Workshop Agenda OVERVIEW OF WORKSHOP POLICE DEPARTMENT OPENING REMARKS & INTRODUCTIONS URBAN COYOTE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP TORRANCE S URBAN COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN GOING FORWARD CLOSURE

3 Overview of Workshop Mary Giordano Assistant City Manager

4 Police Department Remarks & Introductions Mark Matsuda Police Chief

5 Urban Coyote Management Workshop Martin Vukotic Police Captain

6 Workshop Introduction This evening, we re presenting our Urban Coyote Management Workshop and Management Plan Special thank you to our partners and subject matter experts

7 Coyotes Facts 1. Coyote Ecology and Behavior 2. Why are Coyotes in Torrance 3. Solving Coyote Conflicts Changing Coyote Behavior Changing our Behavior 4. Tips for co-existence 5. Torrance s Urban Coyote Management Plan

8 Solving Problems with Coyotes Coyotes are originally native to the grasslands of North America: Have sharp pointed ears and nose Long bushy tails Range from lbs Adapted for running 3 rd fastest land mammal in North America! (up to 43 mph) Extremely intelligent & adaptable Flexible in habitat requirements Found in every state except Hawaii

Deer (fawn) 22% Fruit 23% Cottontail rabbits 18% Birds 13%

9 Coyote Ecology Coyotes are opportunistic feeders Diet: (Chicago study Gehrt, 2006) Small rodents 42% White Tailed Deer (fawn) 22% Fruit 23% Cottontail rabbits 18% Birds 13% Raccoon 8% Grass 6% Invertebrates 4% Human Associated 2% Domestic Cat 1%

Coyote Ecology Social Structure Two types of Coyotes Resident (Live in family groups) Transient (Solitary) Resident Coyotes Live in groups of 5-6 adults plus pups

10 Coyote Ecology Social Structure Two types of Coyotes Resident (Live in family groups) Transient (Solitary) Resident Coyotes Live in groups of 5-6 adults plus pups Defend territories from other coyotes Usually have smaller home ranges Transient Coyotes Often have larger home ranges Looking to establish territory CITY OF TORRANCE

11 Coyote Ecology Mating Coyotes are monogamous Usually stay together for life Mating season: December to March Both male and female adults help raise pups Coyotes have the ability to adjust litter sizes based on food abundance and population density

12 Coyote Ecology Reproduction Pup-rearing season: May to August Litter size: 4-7 pups Pups stay in den for about six weeks Female will often have multiple den sites and move pups when threatened By the end of summer, pups begin to hunt on their own Dispersal season: September to December

Coyote Ecology Habitat Needs Coyotes live in all landscape types Coyotes live in close proximity to people, but people rarely see them Some coyotes live

13 Coyote Ecology Habitat Needs Coyotes live in all landscape types Coyotes live in close proximity to people, but people rarely see them Some coyotes live in heavily urbanized landscapes Within their home ranges, coyotes show preference to natural habitats Coyotes usually go out of their way to avoid people

14 Why Torrance? Why are Coyotes in Torrance?

15 Why Torrance? Plenty of habitat Plenty of food Mice & rats free rodent control! Small mammals Canada geese eggs Helping to balance the ecosystem Little competition top predator Torrance geographic location at the base of Palos Verdes

16 Why Torrance? Other possible attractants: Pet food and water outside Unsecured garbage cans Messy bird feeders Fruit left on the ground Accessible vegetable gardens Compost piles Available small pets Intentional feeding?

17 Why Torrance? Coyote Sightings Coyotes are naturally diurnal (active at dawn and dusk) Coyotes naturally avoid people Most coyotes are never seen by people, despite living nearby Coyotes living in close proximity to people can become habituated, or lose their fear of people

18 Why Torrance? Coyote Habituation Coyotes usually become habituated when they learn that people and/or neighborhoods are a source of food: Pet food outside Unsecured trash Compost piles Fruit trees (rotting fruit) Bird feeders Habituation is a learned behavior We reinforce this behavior by not reacting when we see a coyote

attacks have resulted in death of the animal

19 Torrance Sightings & Incidents In 2016, Torrance has experienced: 153 coyote incidents/sightings 74 coyote attacks on animals (domestic and wild) 60 of the 74 attacks have resulted in death of the animal Cats 37 Foxes 11 Dogs 7 Rabbits 2 Skunk 1 Opossum 1 Tortoise 1

21 Torrance Sightings & Incidents Hickory Park Area

23 Torrance Sightings & Incidents New Horizons & Nadine Circle Area

25 Torrance Sightings & Incidents Lago Seco Park Area

27 Torrance Sightings & Incidents Sleepy Hollow Area

29 Torrance Sightings & Incidents Hickory Park, Nadine Circle, Lago Seco Park & Sleepy Hollow

32 Coyote Behavior Stages 1. (Lowest) An increase in observing coyotes on streets and in yards at night 2. An increase in coyotes approaching adults and/or taking pets at night 3. Early morning and late afternoon daylight observance of coyotes on streets and in parks and yards 4. Daylight observance of coyotes chasing or taking pets

33 Coyote Behavior Stages, cont d 5. Coyotes attacking and taking pets on leash or in close proximity to their owners; coyotes chasing joggers, bicyclists, and other adults 6. Coyotes seen in and around children s play areas, school grounds, and parks in mid-day 7. (Highest) Coyotes acting aggressively towards adults during mid-day

34 Coyote Behavior, Behavior Classification and Recommended Response Coyote Action Classification Response Coyote heard Coyote seen moving in area Coyote seen resting in area Coyote seen resting in area with people present Coyote entering a yard without pets Coyote entering a yard with pets Coyote entering yard and injuring or killing pet w/o people present Coyote biting or injuring unattended pet/pet on leash longer than 6 Coyote following or approaching a person w/o pet (Stalking) Coyote following or approaching a person & pet (Stalking) Coyote entering yard or home with people & pets, no injury occurring Coyote biting or injuring attended pet / pet on leash 6' or less Coyote aggressive, showing teeth, back fur raised, lunging, nipping w/o contact Coyote biting or injuring person Observation Level Green Sighting Level Green Sighting Level Green Sighting Level Yellow Sighting Level Yellow Encounter Level Yellow Pet Attack Level Orange Pet Attack Level Orange Encounter Level Red Sighting Encounter Level Red Encounter Level Red Pet Attack Level Red Threat Level Red Attack Level Red Provide educational materials and info on normal coyote behavior Provide education materials and info on normal coyote behavior Educate on hazing techniques, what to do tips If area frequented by people, educate on normal behavior and haze to encourage animal to leave. Look for and eliminate attractants. Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, provide hazing info Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, hazing info, pet safety Develop hazing team in area, gather info on specific animals involved, report on circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard and neighborhood audits, pet safety Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing, pet safety Educate on hazing techniques and what to do tips. Lethal removal recommended. Educate on hazing techniques and what to do tips and pet safety. Lethal removal recommended. Gather info on specific animals involved, document circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing, pet safety. Lethal removal recommended. Gather info on specific animals involved, document circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing, pet safety. Lethal removal recommended. Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, aggressive hazing, pet safety. Lethal removal recommended. Identify and gather information on specific animal involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing, and pet safety. City staff will inform the California Department of Fish and Game. Lethal removal recommended. 34

35 Preventing Coyote Conflicts CITY OF TORRANCE

36 Preventing Coyote Conflicts Will coyotes attack pets? Coyotes normally hunt small rodents Unattended pets (especially small dogs and cats) are at risk of coyote attack Larger breed dogs are at higher risk during coyote breeding season Proper pet care and safety is paramount

37 Preventing Coyote Conflicts Protecting dogs Always accompany pets when outdoors Use short leashes when walking pets Do not allow a coyote between you and pet Do not allow dogs to play with coyotes

encounter coyote Large Dogs Be extra vigilant during

38 Preventing Coyote Conflicts Small Dogs Especially important to accompany outdoors Always use leash Pick up dog if you encounter coyote Large Dogs Be extra vigilant during January March Always use leash Do not allow dog to play with coyote

39 Preventing Coyote Conflicts Protecting cats The only way to ensure cat safety is to keep them indoors! Or use a leash and harness Purchase a cat enclosure

Keep pet food inside Pick up fruit/vegetables on ground Motion

40 Preventing Coyote Conflicts Protecting pets at home Remove thick brush near home Secure garbage lids Clean up under bird feeders Keep pet food inside Pick up fruit/vegetables on ground Motion activated lights and sprinklers Fence protection (rollers/screens)

41 Coyote Yard Audit Checklist We encourage you to take steps to eliminate attractants on your property in order to minimize conflicts with coyotes. We also urge you to share this information with friends and neighbors because minimizing conflicts is most effective when the entire neighborhood works together. (For Homeowner Use) FOOD Pet Food Water Sources Bird Feeders Fallen Fruit Compost BBQ Grills Trash LANDSCAPING Structures/ Outbuildings *FENCING PETS OK FIX WAYS TO MITIGATE NEVER hand-feed or intentionally feed a coyote! Never feed pets outdoors; store all pet food securely indoors. Remove water attractants (such as pet water bowls) in dry climates. Remove bird feeders or clean fallen seed to reduce the presence of small mammals that coyotes prefer to eat. Clean up fallen fruit around trees. Do not include meat or dairy among compost contents unless fully enclosed. Clean up food around barbeque grills after each use. Secure all trash containers with locking lids and place curbside the morning of trash pickup. Periodically clean cans to reduce residual odors. Trim vegetation to reduce hiding places and potential denning sites. Restrict access under decks and sheds, around woodpiles, or any other structure that can provide cover or denning sites for coyotes or their prey. Enclose property with a 6-foot fence with an additional extension or roller-top) to deter coyotes. Ensure that there are no gaps and that the bottom of the fence extends underground 6 inches or is fitted with a mesh apron to deter coyotes from digging underneath. *Must comply with City of Torrance Municipal Codes Never leave pets unattended outside. Never allow pets to play with coyotes. Fully enclose outdoor pet kennels. Walk pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length. 41

42 Preventing Coyote Conflicts Do coyotes attack people? Coyote attacks on people are very rare! Average of 12 bites per year in U.S. In contrast, there are 4.7 million dog bites to humans per year 2016 Torrance Statistics 0 - Coyote attacks on people 16 - Dog bites on people No record of ever any coyote attacks on a person in Torrance

43 Preventing Coyote Conflicts Safety tips for children Never leave small children unattended outside Pick up small children if a coyote is nearby Teach children safety around strange dogs/animals Be S.M.A.R.T. Stop and don t make sudden moves Make yourself appear big Announce yourself by making noise Retreat by backing away slowly (never try and run away) Tell an adult

44 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts? How to address Problematic Coyote Behavior? Removal Relocation Hazing

45 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts Lethal Removal Extremely difficult & expensive to catch problem coyotes Transient coyotes will fill empty home ranges Trapped coyote populations may reproduce more Doesn t address the root cause of the conflicts Doesn t eliminate attractants Doesn t teach residents how to coexist with coyotes Doesn t teach coyotes acceptable behavior Results in endless cycle of killing

46 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts 7-year study in Southeast Colorado: Lethal Removal of Coyotes 92 coyotes collared and tracked Removal area compared against controlled area Population reduced 61-75% every year Population size increased to pre-removal numbers in 8 months Litter sizes doubled Litter sex ratio favored females after removal Yearlings reproduced in removal area, but did not reproduce in the control area

Solutions for Coyote Conflicts Relocation Not allowed in California Exports the problem to another community Cook County Project monitored 12 relocated nuisance

47 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts Relocation Not allowed in California Exports the problem to another community Cook County Project monitored 12 relocated nuisance coyotes None remained at release sites All traveled toward their original home range None returned successfully Killed by cars or hunters Disputes with other coyotes

48 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts To address coyote conflict we must: Change coyote behavior Change our behavior

49 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts Changing our behavior To avoid conflicts with coyotes: Eliminate food attractants and wildlife feeding Take precautions with pets Teach children Educate our neighbors

50 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts Coyote Hazing o Training method that employs immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity o Coyote Hazing utilizes various techniques to reinstall the natural fear of humans back to habituated coyotes.

51 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts Techniques include: Yelling and waving arms Respond aggressively Banging pots and pans Using squirt guns or hoses Throwing things (tennis balls or rocks) Whistles or air horns Marking our territory in a way they understand Coyote hazing changes coyote behavior Learned behavior is passed to coyote family members and pups Never run! CITY OF TORRANCE

52 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts Coyote Hazing Best Practices: Must make a connection with the coyote for hazing to work Hazing from car or house is ineffective Put yourself between coyote and your pet or child Use squirt guns or hoses Only use noisemakers, etc. when you have a common connection with a coyote Usually only requires 2-3 times per coyote and/or coyote family group Must continue hazing until the coyote has completely left the area

53 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts Coyote Hazing: Additional tips and precautions Never haze a sick or injured coyote Behavior of sick/injured coyotes is unpredictable Do not haze cornered coyote Ensure that there is plenty of room for coyote to escape Do not attempt to haze a coyote defending her pups Young children should call for an adult Most important for children not to run

54 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts What do I do if I see a coyote? Remember that it s not abnormal for a coyote to be out during the day time Put yourself between the coyote and your pet or child Haze coyote! Look for and remove any food attractants Alert neighbors and have them to also haze the coyote Report the sighting to the Torrance Police Department

55 Solutions for Coyote Conflicts To prevent coyote conflicts we must? Change our behavior Eliminate food attractants Take precautions with pets Teach children to be S.M.A.R.T. around coyotes Change problematic coyote behavior With hazing Torrance needs to work together!

56 Torrance s Coyote Management Plan What steps has the City of Torrance and the Police Department taken to address our coyote population?

57 Balanced Approach Emphasizing Public Safety o Torrance has consulted with industry experts at the local, state and private sector levels o Torrance has conducted research with cities that have experienced similar challenges with coyote populations and habituation o Our focus is a balanced approach with an emphasis on public safety: Awareness Education Outreach Intelligence gathering Collaboration Creating a sustainable coyote management plan

58 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program 1. Outreach to industry experts 2. Awareness for PD and City employees 3. Refining and improving data collection 4. Analysis of data 5. Outreach to residential community 6. Outreach to business community 7. Messaging and education via social media platforms 8. Deployed uniformed officers in problem areas for awareness and education 9. Contracted a trapping service for City assessment and trapping 10. This evening s workshop 11. Outreach and awareness for City Block Captains for pending town hall meetings and functions 12. National Night Out Citywide awareness campaign 13. Creation of Urban Coyote Management Plan

59 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 1 Outreach to Industry Experts

60 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 2 Awareness and education for Police Department and City employees

61 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 3 Refining and improving our data collection

62 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 4 Analysis of data

63 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 5 Outreach to the Torrance residential community

64 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 6 Outreach to the Torrance business community (pet stores, veterinary clinics, and rescues)

65 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 7 Messaging and education media platforms (City Cable, social media, mobile app, etc.)

66 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 8 Deployment of TPD in problem areas (awareness, education, and observe/reporting)

67 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 9 Contracted trapping service for Citywide assessment and trapping

68 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 10 City of Torrance Urban Coyote Workshop June 14, 2016

69 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 11 Outreach and awareness for City Block Captains for future town hall meetings and functions

70 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 12 This year s National Night Out Citywide urban coyote awareness campaign (8/2/16)

71 Torrance s Coyote Management 13 Step Program Step 13 Creation of Urban Coyote Management Plan

72 URBAN COYOTE PSA CITY OF TORRANCE

73 Resources, Reporting & Questions For more information including: o Torrance management plan o Living With Urban Coyote Brochure Torrance PD Animal Control (310)

74 Questions & Comments Thank you

75 Going Forward LeRoy Jackson City Manager

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