LWer protects small pet with anti-coyote safety measures

COYOTE WATCH

The GRF Security Department’s recently-implemented coyote traps aren’t the only way that residents can protect their pets from coyotes.

A few weeks ago, Mutual 6 resident Jovanka Raradivojevic outfitted her dog Lola with an anti-coyote vest, which deters coyote attacks with spikes adhered to a velcro strip. When she walks her dog, Radivojevic also carries an empty soda can full of coins, which she uses to make a loud noise when she sees a coyote. She said she’s recently seen up to three coyotes a day during her long daily walks in the community.

On Sept. 19, All City Animal Trapping set up three coyote traps at various locations in Leisure World.

The traps are humane cages, baited with chicken wings. A licensed professional will handle the removal of traps and coyotes.

If residents see a coyote, they should engage in hazing, a method that makes use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity. For coyotes, this means yelling and waving your arms while approaching the animal, making loud noises, throwing small projectiles like rocks or sticks at the animal, or spraying water at the coyote if possible.

To effectively haze the animals, continue these actions until they have left the area.

Mutual 6 resident Jovanka Radivojevic keeps her dog, Lola, safe by carrying around a whistle and a soda can full of coins to scare off coyotes.Emma DiMaggio

Three coyote traps were set up in LW last week. Residents are urged not to disturb the traps, which are baited with chicken wings.Emma DiMaggio