Vary hazing techniques to ward off coyotes

In February, GRF Security reported 51 coyote sightings in Leisure World. Sightings have remained steady throughout mating season, a period from January to March when coyotes have increased appetites and are more likely to be seen than other months.

Residents should anticipate ongoing coyote sightings through early summer. Intrepid coyote pups have begun to emerge from their dens, and increased sightings could continue through May.

In the past, GRF utilized snare traps and successfully trapped several coyotes. However, those traps are now banned in the state of California.

For the past three months, GRF has set out cage traps and has caught several possums and a raccoon, but no coyotes. GRF has discontinued its use of the cages because they were ineffective.

Mutuals can decide to set up their own traps at a cost of $400 per month per cage. Rebaiting after the first week is $75, and if a coyote is captured, the Mutual must pay $250 to have the coyote removed and euthanized.

It is illegal in the state of California to relocate coyotes. Trapped coyotes must be euthanized.

Senior Director of Facilities Mark Weaver suspects that one way coyotes are getting into LW is by crawling underneath fences and jumping over them, despite spikes.

The fencing along the channel in Mutual 2 and 3 is being replaced and may help curb their entry, Weaver said. The channel can’t be completely sealed or screened because the backup of debris could cause flooding.

Weaver encourages residents to practice hazing, a method meant to encourage animals to move out of an area and discourage undesirable behaviors.

How to Haze a Coyote

There are many ways to haze a coyote. All of them serve the same purpose, to instill a fear of humans.

People should vary their hazing methods to ensure that coyotes don’t become accustomed to one technique.

• Make yourself as large as possible. Stand up straight and wave your arms over your head.

• Make loud noises. Scream, yell, whistle, or use a noise-making device like a shaker can full of marbles or pennies.

• Be forceful and direct your voice at the coyote.

• Be animated.

• Throw rocks, sticks, or anything you can pick up.

• Take steps toward the coyote. Be aggressive.

• Always look directly at the coyote. Never turn your back to it or run away.

• When walking, carry an item like a stick, golf club, water gun or air horn. If a coyote has not been hazed before, they may not immediately run away when a person yells at them. If this happens, people may need to walk towards the coyote and increase the intensity of the hazing.

The coyote may run away, but then stop after a distance and look at the person. It is important to continue to go after the coyote until they completely leave the area.

People should keep pets inside, stay alert when walking dogs and make sure they are on leashes no longer than 6 feet. People can reduce coyote populations by picking up food and draining water that might attract wild animals. Residents can report coyote sightings to GRF Security by calling 562594-4754.

Apair of coyotes sighted in February.