WILDLIFE WATCH PROGRAM DESIGNATION

Purpose: to ensure public health and safety for people and animals when there is an increase in reported human-wildlife conflict.

CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION

A Wildlife Watch designation may be placed on an entire neighborhood or zipcode to address the increase in human-wildlife conflict. This designation may occur at the discretion of the Director or designee, based on the totality of the situation, once the wildlife activity is considered at a Level 4 or above:

Wildlife Activity Level

  1. Increase in wildlife on streets and in yards at night
  2. Increase in wildlife approaching adults and/or taking pets at night
  3. Wildlife on streets, and in parks and yards, in early morning/late afternoon
  4. Wildlife chasing or taking pets in daytime
  5. Wildlife attacking and taking pets on leash or near owners; chasing joggers, bicyclists, other adults
  6. Wildlife seen in and around children’s play areas, school grounds, and parks in midday with children present
  7. Wildlife acting aggressively towards adults or children in midday

AGENCY RESPONSE TO WILDLIFE WATCH DESIGNATION

While there is no funding for wildlife activities currently budgeted by the City of Long Beach, the Wildlife Watch will be facilitated by an increase in the following:

Agency Response

  1. An official "Wildlife Watch" designation will be placed on the affected neighborhood or zipcode
  2. Press Release will be issued for neighborhood or zipcode regarding Wildlife Watch designation
  3. A flyer will be distributed to residents describing this designation and their responsibilities for removing attractants
  4. Using overtime, an additional officer will be assigned to the area for patrol and assessment during reported high-activity times and locations
  5. License Inspectors will be deployed in affected area to check licenses and educate residents
  6. Residents will be cited for free-roaming dogs and cats (unaltered), as well as informed about state laws regarding the feeding and harassment of wildlife
  7. Staff will collect all reports regarding activity of wildlife and animal owners in the area and pass-on to the County, State and Federal agencies (County Commission on Weights & Measures, Department of Fish & Game, USDA)  when necessary
  8. Educational materials will be distributed to Police Department, Environmental Health (restaurant inspection), School District (neighborhood schools)
  9. State Agency will be notified of Wildlife Watch designation and pre-existing reports of coyote activity
  10. State Agency will be asked to conduct Wildlife Watch Workshop and Assessment with neighborhood groups, residents and Councilmember
  11. Administration will work with wildlife agencies to determine if assessment or abatement activities are warranted

CONCLUSION OF WILDLIFE WATCH DESIGNATION

    At the discretion of the Director or designee, based on the totality of the situation and recommendations of the Wildlife agencies assessment, the Wildlife Watch designation may be lifted once the Wildlife Activity Level has been determined to have decreased to Level 3 or below.

    References:

    • State Law: healthy wildlife should be left alone (CCR 679.(f)(4).
    • Feeding is also a form of harassment (CCR 251.1).