Coyotes In Rossmoor – Be Alert

What should I know about coyotes?

Coyotes are the preeminent predator in North America and are exceptionally adaptable and cunning, with a keen sense of smell, sight, and hearing. Primarily a nocturnal predator, they have been seen in the middle of the day. Nights and early morning, however, are the most likely times that they are active.

In suburban environments like Rossmoor, they tend to live under woodpiles, in the heavy brush along freeways, in open fields, and in storm drains. Adult coyotes generally weigh between 25 and 40 lbs. Coyotes hunt up to 10 or more miles. They are classified as omnivores (they eat animals and fruits and vegetables), although they consistently practice carnivore habits. In suburban environments like Rossmoor, coyote “food” generally consists of small wild animals (rabbits, squirrels, rats, gophers, lizards), pets (primarily cats, sometimes small dogs), fruit (melons, peaches, apricots, plums, apples, avocados, berries), pet food left outside or in open buildings (garages), and garbage.

We believe the coyotes seen in Rossmoor primarily from the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Center (JFTB), El Dorado Park, and the Hellman Ranch (and surrounding) wetlands, but in truth, they could be living in Rossmoor.

A good article and background on coyotes can be found here from the UC Integrated Pest Management Program.

Why should I be concerned?

Coyotes have been in or near our area since before Rossmoor was first built and are indigenous to this region. They generally stay hidden due to their nocturnal habits and use of vacant or open land, however, the frequency of their sightings and apparent pet killings appears to be increasing in the past few months. Although coyotes rarely attack humans, the coyotes in Rossmoor appear to be getting increasingly bold. Moreover, once they learn that a type of prey is easy, they come back. They have learned that cats are easy prey. In Rossmoor, coyotes have been seen multiple times in a resident’s backyards and in other locations, in the center of Rossmoor, on a neighbor’s porch, and at each of our schools and parks.

As John Trout, Jr. says in his book, Solving Coyote Problems, once a coyote loses its fear of humans, it becomes dangerous and a problem coyote. The only real long-term solution is to remove possible coyote food sources and strictly practice coyote prevention measures.

What can I do to protect myself, my family and my pets?

The following are preventative acts you should take:

1. Do not let small children play outside without supervision, particularly in the early morning or at night.

2. Do not let your small pets (cats and small dogs) roam free outside, even in your backyard, unsupervised, especially in the early morning or at night.

3. Do not create conditions that could attract coyotes or small wild animals that coyotes feed on:

(a) Never feed coyotes or any other wild animal! Feeding coyotes or any other wild animal is against the law (See Title 14, California Code of Regulations 251.1). Simply stated, “A fed coyote is a dead coyote,” because once they learn that humans are a source of food, they stop hunting for their native foods, become a “problem” coyote and the State is forced to kill the problem coyote.

(b) Do not feed your pets outside or leave pet food or water bowls outside.

(c) Do not feed wild birds, coyotes are attracted to feeding birds, and the squirrels and other animals are attracted to feeder locations.

(d) Secure your pet doors at night.

(e) Properly secure your garbage in containers (not just plastic bags) and if possible do not out your garbage on the street the night before collection.

(f) Pick up any dropped fruit (peaches, apricots, plums, figs, avocados) and pick any ripe berries. If you have garden vegetables, do not let them over ripen. Coyotes love melons. 

4. Clear any dense brush from around your front or back yard. Don’t let your yard be a breeding ground for coyotes.

5. Install motion-activated lighting or sprinklers.

6. If a coyote approaches or acts aggressively, throw rocks, make noise, use an air horn, look big, and pick up small children and pets. Do not turn your back to the animal.

7. Notify Orange County Flood Control of any openings in fences or under fences along flood control channels or ditches.

Remember, Orange County Animal Care will only respond to coyote sightings if the animal is injured or there is a threat to human life. If a person is attacked by a coyote, call 9-1-1 first. Then, please report any injuries or threats, to OC Animal Care 714.935.6848.

For more information go to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife