Long-time residents are very familiar with our coyotes living among us, and we all try to keep a watchful eye on our pets (and little kids!) when we’re out and about in the neighborhood. Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton was quoted as recently as April 2023, saying, “The coyote population in our city has just exploded. They are no longer afraid of humans.“
We should all be aware of coyotes’ fearlessness, be prepared when out on our walks, and make sure our homes and yards are set up to deter the wildlife. So, what can you do to stay safe? Here are some tips from the Pasadena Humane Society:
Coyotes venture out in search of food. Coyotes are very well adapted to living in cities and may be active at any time of day, although are most commonly seen at dawn and dusk. Their diet consists of rabbits and rodents, carrion, birds and deer, supplemented with berries and other plant materials. If allowed, they will also prey on domestic pets such as cats and any pet food that is left outside.
If you encounter a coyote on a walk
- BE LARGE & LOUD – yell, stomp your feet, & wave your arms
- DO NOT turn your back or run away from a coyote
- Use noisemakers (whistle, bells, airhorns, can filled with coins, pots & pans etc.)
- Use projectiles (sticks, small rocks, tennis balls, etc.)
- Other repellents (pepper spray, spray bottle or squirt gun with vinegar water mixture, hoses, etc.)
- Keep your pets on a leash and close to you
- Be aware of your surroundings
Coyotes and food
- Keep your cats inside and supervise small dogs outdoors
- Remove any outdoor pet food
- Remove any bird feeders you have set out
- Pick up fruit as soon as it falls to the ground
- Keep barbecue grills clean
- Eliminate access to water on your property, like standing water or bird baths
Securing your property from coyotes
- Wildlife-proof garbage in sturdy containers with tight fitting lids
- Keep trash in a secure location and only take out trash the morning pick up is scheduled
- Keep compost in secure containers
- Secure your garage and don’t leave the door open
- Cover your garden with chicken wire
- Trim overgrown landscaping and clear brush, trim hedges 6”-12” off the ground
- Close off crawl spaces under decks and around buildings
- Invest in motion detecting lights that make sound when activated, motion sensing water sprayers, or roll bar fencing also referred to as “coyote rollers”
More from Pasadena Humane Society
- If you believe you have found sick or injured wildlife, please call or text the wildlife helpline at 626.344.1129 (text is preferred) between the hours of 9am-5pm. Please note, this is not an emergency service and we will return your message as soon as we are able. General inquiries about wildlife can be sent to wildlife@pasadenahumane.org.
- We will visit your neighborhood association or community group to provide a wildlife presentation or interactive coyote safety workshop. For more information, contact 626.792.7151 ext. 114 or outreach@pasadenahumane.org.
- Visit our wildlife page at pasadenahumane.org/wildlife for more tips about peaceful coexistence with other native wildlife.
Be sure to alert others of coyote sightings when out on a walk, and be sure to pass along these tips to everyone in Chapman Woods. Coyotes have been spotted everywhere along the road, to people’s yards, as well as the public land around Eaton Wash. We all have to coexist with coyotes, and as a group our hazing efforts can teach them to be wary of us.
More Resources
Awareness is a great first step in keeping our community safe from coyotes.
