Long Beach, CA – This is the time of year when coyote pups become more visible in the community because they are growing up and leaving their dens more frequently. Because they do not require open space to survive, coyotes have successfully adapted to living in urban and suburban neighborhoods and can be seen at any time of day, although they are most active at dusk, dawn and at night. Due to this, Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) is reminding residents of the following important safeguards to protect pets and property against coyotes and other wild or unwanted animals.
Safety and Prevention
LBACS recommends Long Beach residents to keep in mind the following techniques in order to compassionately co-exist with coyotes while also protecting yourself and your pets:
Reporting Coyote Activity
LBACS urges residents to report any observed coyote activity, including sightings and encounters, after observing the activity. Reports can be made online, by emailing animalcare@longbeach.gov or by calling 562.570.7387.
While LBACS does not respond to calls for service for normal coyote behavior, such as sightings, these reports are still important as they are recorded and documented. LBACS Animal Control Officers will respond to coyote calls if the coyote is sick or injured, or out in the daytime in areas near to people, especially children at parks or schools or anytime there is an attack or threatening behavior toward a person or pet. To determine if an Animal Control Officer is needed, residents may call 562.570.7387. If a coyote is posing an imminent threat to life, call 9-1-1.
Education and Outreach
To request additional educational materials, including informational flyers and handouts, or to schedule a speaker for a neighborhood watch or community meeting, residents may email animalcare@longbeach.gov or call 562.570.7387.
Residents may also review Long Beach’s Coyote Management Plan which further outlines how LBACS responds to concerns about coyotes.
More information is available at longbeach.gov/acs/wildlife.
Media inquiries can be directed to Staycee Dains, Manager, Animal Care Services Bureau, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, at 562.570.3051 or Staycee.Dains@longbeach.gov.