Coyote attacks on the rise

February 14, 10:43 PMSan Fernando Valley ExaminerWyatt Shev

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The San Fernando Valley is officially under attack… but not from street gangs, wildfires or roving bands of porn stars. Coyotes are the latest threat to our suburban hub, and it seems as if the troublesome canids are not planning a retreat anytime soon.

Southern Californians know all too well of the dangers of the coyote, a creature that preys on the small, helpless lapdogs found in backyards across the Valley. These canny predators stalk through the streets under the cover of night, lured to our world by the promise of easy meals garnered from our trashcans. They’ve had time enough to grow accustomed to our presence, and whilst coyotes generally tend to keep their distance from human beings, they show very little fear of us. Now their numbers are growing rapidly, and residents across the Valley are taking drastic measures to protect their much-loved pets.

There are an estimated 7,500 coyotes within Los Angeles County, the majority of which make their home in the plains of the Valley and the hills south of Ventura Boulevard. Local wildlife experts have not reported a significant increase in their numbers, but an increasing number of ‘vanished’ pets in areas such as Studio City, Tarzana and Northridge suggest they are growing in number and confidence. In the last few weeks there have been several reports of attacks, with some unfortunate owners witnessing their pets taken in broad daylight. The coyotes have also been observed leaping fences over six feet tall to get to their victims. I have personally heard several stories in recent weeks of smaller dogs being taken from Serrania Park in Woodland Hills, with coyotes darting out from the underbrush in the foothills to boldly snatch their prey, before disappearing back into the tree line.

There are some measures you can take to ensure your pup won’t become a tasty snack for a hungry coyote. Be vigilant when visiting the park- if you are to let your pets off-leash, make sure you keep a constant eye on them, and discourage them from heading too close to the bushy areas where coyotes lurk and wait. Of course, early morning and late evening walks are never a good idea, as these are the times a coyote hunts. A good idea is to simply take your dogs to fenced-in off-leash parks like the ever-popular Sepulveda Basin Dog Park in Reseda, on the corner of Victory and White Oak. You can also fortify your backyard by building a dog run or installing six-foot plus fences with Coyote Rollers to keep four-legged intruders out.

It’s coyote mating season, meaning these mangy marauders are more active than usual. Take the necessary steps to ensure your beloved pet doesn’t end up an unfortunate victim.