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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUpdate of the Coyote Management Plan 2022 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 City of Huntington Beach L � File #: 22-506 MEETING DATE: 7/5/2022 Update of the Coyote Management Plan - 2022 City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 6/30/2022 powerelb' Legistar- HE3CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH Memorandum to City Council TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Al Zelinka, City Manager DATE: June 30, 2022 SUBJECT: 2022 Coyote Management Plan On May 17, 2022, City Council directed staff to undertake an update to the 2015 Coyote Management Plan and report back in the following month with a progress report of its effort, including proposals to improve the Plan. In 2015, the City developed a Coyote Management Plan that was intended to be periodically updated as conditions evolved. Following a coyote incident on April 28, 2022, City Council directed staff to conduct a comprehensive review and update the Plan in an effort to enhance public safety as it relates to coyote encounters in the community. This update strives to incorporate best management practices today, while also balancing the humane treatment of the coyote population and health of the local ecological system. For the 2022 updated Plan, City Council directed staff to four areas of focus: 1. Examine City policies, Municipal Code, and practical precautions to adequately address coyote issues and enhance the public safety of community members and pets. Review best management practices including those that have been successfully implemented by other similarly situated cities. Staff has reviewed and subsequently updated the City's 2015 Coyote Management Plan (Attachment 1 - Draft 2022 Coyote Management Plan). The updated 2022 Plan retains proven techniques such as hazing and other best management practices. Other tools such as www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote and a dedicated QR code were added for easier and quicker access to the City's online Coyote Incident Reporter. The updated Coyote Management Plan prioritizes public safety in managing human-coyote interactions. The suggested actions in the Plan are designed to increase residents' knowledge and understanding of how coyotes behave, and make clear how such behavior can be managed to reduce or eliminate conflicts with coyotes. Staff examined the Coyote Management Plans of Burbank, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Torrance. All of the Coyote Management Plans take a similar approach for coyote concerns for their communities. The updated Huntington Beach plan is modeled to align with the focus on public safety similar to the approach taken by Torrance. The Plan is most effective with the active participation of the entire community including residents, homeowner associations, volunteers, and City staff. Several community members provided valuable input during this process. The Huntington Beach Police Department has engaged California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) volunteers and Wildlife Watch to 62 2022 Coyote Management Plan June 30, 2022 train Neighborhood Watch block captains on hazing and disseminating information for pet and yard protections. A particular area of feedback highlighted the importance of educating residents to stop feeding coyotes. In response, we will use social media and Wildlife Watch to educate on the dangers of feeding wild animals and tips to discourage habituation. 2. Identify wildlife attractants (i.e. trash receptacles) at the City's beaches and parks, and implement practices to deter coyotes and other animals from entering these public spaces. The City proposes to replace open trash receptacles with ones that are animal-proof. Receptacles at the beach have been replaced accordingly. Staff will also post educational signage in areas where coyotes have been seen with heightened frequency. The signage will notify residents and visitors of these activities, list best practices to deter them, and include methods to report sightings and aggressive behavior. 3. Utilize data collection tools including smart phone apps (i.e. MyHB) to gather real-time reports of coyote sightings and behavioral trends from community members. Smart phone apps, easy web links, and a QR code were developed for use and have been incorporated into our proposed signage in public spaces. To report a coyote or find more information, the community can visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote or utilize the MyHB app. Staff is able to retrieve and analyze the data to better understand coyote ecology and behavior. Such efforts will enhance the City's public outreach, Wildlife Watch campaigns, directed hazing, and targeted trapping efforts when appropriate. 4. Review the City's contract with OC Animal Care to ensure alignment with the City's updated 2022 Coyote Management Plan. Staff conducted a review and is confirming that the services being provided are in line with those offered to other cities that have contracted with OC Animal Care. Basic animal control services, removal of injured or dead animals, and wildlife education are included. CDFW manages the State's wildlife, provides assistance to reduce and prevent potential conflicts such as Wildlife Watch, and will take the lead with escalated incidents such as attacks on humans. The 2022 Coyote Management Plan incorporates newer tools and best management practices. The goal of the Plan is to safely coexist with the coyote population by modifying human behavior to discourage coyote behavior and avoid contact with humans and pets. 63 2022 Coyote Management Plan June 30, 2022 Staff efforts to update the plan and respond to the community are listed below: Task Lead Date Complete Outreach to grocery stores for refuse abatement Police Dept. May 2022 CDFW Volunteer Group- Surf City Beach Cottages Police Dept., CA Dept. May 14, 2022 of Fish &Wildlife (80 Huntington) Seacliff Community Meeting. PD Community Police Dept. May 18, 2022 Relations presentation. Southeast Area Town Hall City Manager's Office May 25, 2022 Police Dept., CA Dept. Neighborhood Watch Board meeting w/CDFW of Fish &Wildlife, and June 14, 2022 Wildlife Watch program Neighborhood Watch Groups Police Dept., CA Dept. HB Wildlife Watch Group- Lark View Park of Fish &Wildlife, and June 2022 Neighborhood Neighborhood Watch Groups Neighborhood Watch Newsletter Neighborhood Watch June 2022 Groups Review neighboring agencies' CMP's City Manager's Office May 2022 and Police Dept. Update Huntington Beach Coyote Management City Manager's Office June 2022 Plan and Police Dept. Review OC Animal Care Contract City Manager's Office Complete and Police Dept. Tiered Social Media Campaign 5/4, 5/8, 5/17, City Manager's Office Insta ram, Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor and Police Dept. 5/18, 6/3/22 9 Ongoing Updates to reporting City Manager's Office Ongoing and Police Dept. Vanity URL www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote City Manager's Office Complete phone #'s, and QR code Community/Library Animal proof trash receptacles. Services and Public In progress Works High Intensity Hazing Options— Reviewing Police Dept. Ongoing feasibility Community/Library Signs at beach and parks Services and Public In progress Works 64 2022 Coyote Management Plan June 30, 2022 Staff will continue to implement the updated 2022 Coyote Management Plan, a social media educational campaign, and proactive efforts to decrease coyote activity in neighborhoods and enhance public safety. Attachment A. 2022 Coyote Management Plan 65 City of Huntington Beach Coyote Management Plan 2022 li 9 17, 19691 66 Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Background 3 Education 4 The Coyote 4 CoyoteAppearance 4 How and where do Coyotes Live? 5 How do Humans Perceive Coyotes? 6 Behavioral Changes in the Urban Environment 7 Coyote A ttractan ts Hazing 8 Wildlife Watch Reporting and Response Plan 10 Communicating with the Public 11 Monitoring and Collecting Data 11 Enforcement 11 Appendix A—Yard Audit Checkl ist Appendix B—Coyote Hazing Guidelines Appendix C—Coyote Action and Response Plan 2 67 Executive Summary The intent of this Coyote Management Plan(Plan) is to provide guidance for staff in dealing with urban and wildlife interface in Huntington Beach.The Management Plan is based on research,community feedback, best known management practices,and an understandingof the coyote ecology in the urban setting.The Plan includes a full spectrum of management tools to deal with coyotes in an urban area. Goal The goal of this Plan is to supportthe communityand provide tools to coexistwith urban coyotesthrough education,behavior modification,and development of a tiered responseto coyote behavior.The actions prescribed in this planare designed to increase citizens'knowledge and understanding of coyote behavior, and make clear how this knowledge and understanding of coyote behavior can reduce or eliminate conflictswith coyotes. Strategy The strategy for managing coyotes is based on balancing respect and protection of wildlife and habitat without compromising publicsafety. Itshall be effected through athree-pronged approach: • Publiceducation and coyote deterrents designed around co-existence.The goal of education is to decrease coyote attractants, increase pet safety, and reshape coyote behavior. Hazing methods,Wildlife Watch,and housekeeping can altercoyote behavior. • Communication with the community. Receiving and giving feedback among the community is essential for implementingthe Coyote Management Plan. • Enforcement. Feeding wildlife is known to lead to an increase in wildlife activity. California law prohibits the feedingof wildlife.The Huntington Beach Police Departmentwill enforce State law pertainingto this activity. 3 68 Background The City of Huntington Beach does not own or have any control of the wild animals found within its boundaries, nor is the City responsible for the actions or damage caused by them. These animals area common and important part of our natural ecosystem. Although the City of Huntington Beach places a high value on wildlife, some individual animals adapted to urban environments have the potential to cause problems and/or conflicts in specific situations.The City promotes policies supporting prevention and implementation of remedial measures that do not harm the wildlifeortheir habitats. However,human safety is a priority in managing human-coyote interactions. Education and Outreach Education is the key to having residents make appropriate decisions regardi ng theirsafety or managing their property and pets. This involves decreasing attractants, increasing pet safety, and creating reasonable expectations of normal coyote behavior. The Coyote(Canis latrans) Coyotes are originally native to California and several other western states. Due to their ,-`�� intelligence, adaptability, and the decline of other predatory species due to urban sprawl, coyotes have expanded their range and are found in all states except Hawaii. Coyotes play an important role in the urban ecosystem, particularly as a top-predator.They eat a broad range of small animals,including squirrels, mice,rabbits,rats, and gophers. Rodents make up a majority of their diet. In the process,they control the population sizes of these animals, many of which are considered pests to humans.The coyotes also prey on mid-rank predators such as raccoons and opossums. Coyotes keep lower-ranking predator populations in balance. Coyote Appearance Coyotes vary in colorfrom gray-brown to yellow-gray.Their backs have tawny-colored underfur and long overcoats with black-tipped guard hairs,forming dorsal stripe and dark band over theirshoulders. Throats and bellies tend to be buff or white in color. Coyotes have long legs, small paws,large pointed ears,and pointed snout,and weigh between 15 and 40 pounds 4 69 How and where do Coyotes Live? Coyotes may live alone,in pairs,or i n fami lygroups with one breeding pai r,generally mati ng once a year, usually January through February. Social organization and group size are correlated with food availability.The rest of the group is comprised of multiple generations of offspring.Pups are born March through May. The entire group protects the pups though pup mortality averages between 50 and 70 percent in the first year. Litter size depends on available resources and the numberof coyotes in the area. Pups remain in the den the first six weeks and then travel with the adults. By the end of the summertheyare more independent,yet, may still travel with parents and siblings. Because coyotes are socially organized, the group raises the young and defends their territory from other coyotes. Territories do not overlap. Although they generally live in groups, coyotes often travel alone or in pairs. Coyotes regularly roam an area of about two to five square miles to obtain enough food for the pack members. Normally, each pack is a territorial family group made up of three to ten individuals,and the number of mature coyotes in the pack is often related to the amount of food resources in the territory. In the urban areas, most coyotes live in large parks,golf courses,greenbelts, and natural open space where theyfindfood and cover. Thus,theirterritory mayfollowthe parkoropen space boundaries. They are extremely adaptable in creating territories under a wide range of urban conditions. A(. Young coyotes may leave the pack at about nine to eleven -. months of age, but dispersal patterns are highlyvariable. oil it tool ham fam These j uve nil e coyotes become transients. Othertypesof transients include older individuals that can no longer defend their role as upper-level pack members and are +� pushed out of the pack. 'Wig hind foot hmd fora Transient coyotes move all over in narrow undefended c*Trads On trach zones that exist between pack territories searchingfor an open habitat to occupy orgroup to join.They often die before theysucceed(many are hit byvehicles). It is largely because of the constant influx of transients that coyote eradication programsfail. Removing a group of territorial coyotes will create an undefended area into which the transient coyotes will flow.At all timesoftheyear,numbers of transients are immediately available to replenish any voids created by killing resident coyotes. Furthermore,if either the alpha male or alpha female in a pack is killed,ovulation in other breeding-age females is often triggered and a corresponding increase in the numberof litters and/or numberof pups per litter is observed. 5 70 How do Humans Perceive Coyotes? People respond to coyotes in various ways.Some observe themwith enjoyment,others with indifference and some with fear or concern. Experiences range from animal sightings without incident,to stalking, killing of pets or, at the extreme,an attack on a person. Coyote attacks on humans are very infrequent. Although such incidents generate significant media coverage,they remain a rare event. Because wild animals conjure up fear in some people, actual sightings and perceptions may become exaggerated or misconstrued (see Appendix A).The wide range in perceptions by Huntington Beach residents supports the need for consistent educational messages to clarify management and response techniques. NEVER FEED COYOTES REPORT FEEDING www.hunti ngtonbeachca.gov/coyote 714-960-8811 6 71 Behavioral Changes in the Urban Environment Coexisting with wildlife requires humans to take an active role in keeping coyotes wild.For example, recognize coyote behavior,remove attractants,take precautions for pets,and haze coyotes in neighborhood and community spaces. People I ivinginclose proximity to coyotes can respond in a manner designed Human to change coyote behavior. behavior Coyote A ttractan ts can shape Coyotes are drawn to urban and suburban areas forfood,water,and access to Shelter. animal • Food— Urban areas often support large numbers of rodents,including behavior. mice and rats. Coyotes can be attracted into neighborhoods by human-associated food such as pet food,unsecured compost ortrash, and fallen fruit. • Water— Urban areas provide a year-round supply in the form of storm water runoff, artificial lakes,irrigation,petwaterdishes,etc.,which support both coyotes and their prey. During drought or otherwise dry conditions,watercan be as alluringas food,so remove water bowls set outside for pets and make watering cans unavailable. • Access to Shelter —Overgrown landscaping, parks, greenbelts, open spaces, golf courses, buildings, sheds, decks and crawl spaces,etc.,increasethe amountof coverforcoyotes allowing them to remain close to people,pets,homes and businesses without detection. In the spring,when coyotes give birth and begin to raise young,they concentrate their activities around dens or burrows in which theiryoungare sheltered. • Unattended Pets—Pets are a normal part of an urban landscape.Within theirterritory,coyotes may consider pets as prey or competitors. Free roaming pets, such as cats and small dogs, may Protect cats a n d small dogs attract coyotes into a neighborhood. Minimize risk to from coyotes pets and do not leave them outside unattended. Keep primarily indoors. • Cats —Free-roaming outdoor cats may also be seen as prey. It is important to note that attacks on cats are Let outside in a secure enclosure. normal coyote behavior and do not indicate danger for humans. People who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might prey on the cats. These When outside accompany or keep concerns are well founded,as coyotes can be attracted on leash and/or harness. to the outdoor pet food. DO NOT FEED FERAL CATS 7 72 • Dogs — Dogs are vulnerable to coyote confrontations.These incidents generally involve coyotes who are accustomed or habituated to Do not allow people (usually from feeding), or coyotes who are protecting their territory and pups(usually during breeding season). dogs off Small, unattended dogs maybe seen as potential prey. It is important leash, to either keep dogs on a six-foot long or shorter leash when outdoors it is against or to stay within six feet of them when on your property. Coyotes may view a dog on a leash longerthan six feet as an unattended pet the law and especially when in or near nature preserves or open-spacessuch as parks. is unsafe. Attacks on unattended, small dogs are normal coyote behavior and do not indicate a dangerto people. Although attacks on larger dogs are rare, coyotes may pursue a large dog when territory is threatened. This generallyoccurs during breeding season,January through March. During this time, it is especially important to keep dogs on leash and do not leave them unattended when in public or open space areas. • Other domestic animals—Domestic animals kept outside,such as rabbits, may also be viewed as prey. Protect outdoor animals from predators with protective fencing and/or cages. Residents are encouraged to use the Yard Audit Checklist (Appendix A) as a tool to help recognize and remove attractants in theiryards and neighborhoods. While human attacks are very rare, urban landscape development,habituation through intentional and unintentional feeding,pet related incidents and media attention have led some urban residents to fear coyotes. Steps must be taken to address safety concerns, misconceptions, and appropriate responses to potential threats to human safety. It is important to keep in mind that coyotes have been in and around Huntington Beach for a very longtime. Reduce food attractants in urban and suburban areas: Neverhand feed or otherwise deliberately feed a coyote Avoid feeding pets outside. If feeding pets outside, promptly remove the bowl and any leftoverfood. Remove sources of pet food and water that a coyote could easily access. Maintain good housekeeping,such as regularly raking areas around bird feeders. Remove fallen fruitfrom the ground. Neverinclude meatordairyinacompostpile. Bag especially attractive food wastes,such as meat scraps or leftover pet food. Keep trash in high-quality containers with tight-fitting lids. Place trash cans curbside only on the morning of collection. 8 73 Hazing Hazing is a process whereby a person or a number of individuals encountering a coyote intimidate the animal urging itto leave situation. The following are various types of hazing methods: Stand your ground. Basic Hazing Don'tturn your back. Yell or make frightening noises. Be quickerand more aggressive. Aggressive Hazing Throw projectiles likestones nearthe animal. Spray with a hose. Create heightened fearof contact. For more options see Appendix B-Hazing Manual. Hazing should be ongoing whenevercoyotesare present.Hazing must continue once it begins until the animal leaves.Otherwise,the coyote will learn to wait until the person gives up. Following through with hazing will create an animal more intimidated of people Hazing does not involve injuringthe animal,onlythreatof injury. An injured animal becomes less predictable than a healthy one. A healthy coyote is unlikely to escalate a situation with a person who aggressively hazes.A common concern with hazing involves potential danger to the hazer. Coyotes are instinctually skittish which makes hazing useful. It is important that the hazer provides the coyote a clear escape route free to flee and not corner the animal; a cornered animal may decide that attacking the hazeristhe only option. Hazing is not appropriate in nature reservesor similar open space unlessthe coyote exhibits threatening behaviorto persons or leashed pets. Hazing should be monitored to assess effectiveness and to determine if furtheraction or more aggressive hazing is needed. Wildlife Watch The California Departmentof Fish and Wildlife implements the Wildlife Watch program as a model of the National Neighborhood Watch program.Wildlife Watch is a program that intersects the needs of local agenciesandthe communityto reduce wildlife interactions inthe community. Wildlife Watch empowers local agencies and residents to address and resolve human-wildlife conflicts.Communities are provided the support and training needed to develop integrated wildlife management plans specificto their needs.Wildlife Watch is maintained bya networkof committed agencies,communitygroups and individualswho have completedthe required training. 9 74 The City of Huntington Beach and the Wildlife Watch reach more communities with combined efforts. The program can be proactively implemented duringearly breeding and pup season.When communities,HOA's,etc.hold meetings Wildlife Watch can present best management practices and pet safety information. Reportingand Response Plan Coexistingwith wildlife requires humanstotake anactiverolein keeping coyotes wild.Recognizecoyote behavior, remove attractants, take precautions for pets, and haze coyotes in neighborhood and community spaces. Learning how to respond to a coyote encounter empowers residents and can help reduce undesired coyote behaviors.The public should understand what normal coyote behavior is when living in close proximitywith coyotes.For example,vocalization(howling)is normal acceptable behavior and does not indicate aggression. The Coyote Action and Response Plan(Attachment C)is a tool to identify and classify the levels of human and coyote interaction.OCAnimal Care will respond to calls that involve sick orinjured coyote(s). However,if there is a publicsafety issue,the Huntington Beach Police Department will respond to calls involving coyote(s)threatening or injuring people. If human is attacked and physically injured by a coyote,the Huntington Beach Police Department will work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlifeto thoroughly investigate the incident,identify and lethally remove coyotes in the geographic area.Lethal removal will also be considered if there is a public safety issue. REPORT FEEDING &SIGHTINGS www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote HBPD 714-960-8811 0 t � a. For a coyote behaving aggressively or attacki ng a person Call 9-1-1 10 75 Communicating with the Public To effectively implement the Coyote Management Plan receiving and giving feedback among the community is essential. While coyotes will always exist in our urban environment, it is important to connect with residents when there are aggressive behaviors or attacks and to maintain awareness throughoutthe year. Taking communal, proactive measures as previously mentioned can create an environment that is inhospitable to coyotes. In response to aggressive coyote behaviorthe City will make efforts to connectwith the reporting party within 48 business hours of notification. Pertinent information should include time of day, proximity to park or open space, and identify possible food/water/shelter attractants.The Huntington Beach Police Department may enlist the help of others to identify coyote attractants such as overgrown vegetation that serves as a hideout or den,trash nuisances in neighborhoods or commercial areas, or feeding of straysor otherwildlife. Monitoring and Collecting Data Trackingwildlife activity and providingti mely responses are actions that result inthe highest effectiveness of community safety. The purpose of monitoring human-coyote interactions is to document where coyotes are frequently seen and to identify human-coyote conflict hotspots. Gathering specific data on incidents provides direction of educational campaignsand conflict mitigation efforts, aswell asthe abilityto measure success in reducing conflicts overtime. Data can be used as a proactive mechanism to ward off coyote activity hotspots and as a tool by which to directthe City's efforts. Enforcement The act of feeding wildlife is known to lead to an increase in wildlife activity.Feeding can attract coyotes and their prey to an area leadingtoan increased likelihood of creating habituated coyotes and resulting in increases in coyote-human interactions. California law prohibits feeding wildlife.Huntington Beach Police Officers,Orange County Animal Control Officers,and Huntington Beach Code Enforcement Officers will enforce State law(s)and Huntington Beach Municipal Code Section 13.48.075 pertainingto this activity. California Code of Regulations Title 14.§251.1. Harassment of Animals Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish & Game Code, no person shall harass,herd ordrive anygame ornongame bird or mammal orfurbearing mammal.For the purposes of this section,harass is defined as an intentional act which disrupts an animars normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to breeding, feeding, or sheltering. City of Huntington Beach Municipal Code §13.48.075 Feeding Wildlife on City Property Prohibited Unless specifically authorized by the Director of Community Services in writing,no person shall feed,disturb,or have physical contact with wildlife on City property. 11 76 IS YOUR YARD UNINVITING TO COYOTES? ITEMS IN YOUR YARD MAY BE ATTRACTING COYOTES OR OTHER WILDLIFE. TO MINIMIZE CONFLICTS WITH WILDLIFE, REMOVE ATTRACTANTS AND ENCOURAGE NEIGHBORS TO DO THE SAME. MARK OFF EACH ITEM BELOW WITH A YES TO ACHIEVE A WILDLIFE PROOF YARD. ALL FOOD SOURCES SHOULD BE REMOVED AND/OR SECURELY STORED INDOORS. NEVER HAND-FEED OR INTENTIONALLY FEED WILDLIFE YES NO PET FOOD PETS ARE FED INDOORS AND FOOD IS SECURELY STORED INDOORS. L'3 WATER ® WATER SOURCES ARE REMOVED IN DRY CLIMATES. 0 0 TRASH BINS ARE SECURED WITH LOCKING LIDS AND WASHED TO REDUCE ODORS. W FALLEN FRUIT ® FALLEN FRUIT IS PICKED UP OR PICKED FROM TREES BEFORE IT FALLS. COMPOST . LIDS ON COMPOST BINS ARE KEPTCLOSED AND LOCKED. FOOD RESIDUE ON OR AROUND BBQ GRILL IS CLEANED AFTER EACH USE BBQ GRILLS ® AND BBQ IS KEPT COVERED WHILE NOT IN USE BIRD FEEDERS FEEDERS ARE REMOVED OR FALLEN SEED IS CLEANED TO REDUCE THE PRESENCE OFSMALLANIMALS. LUSH LANDSCAPING CAN PROVIDE AMPLE FOOD,WATER AND SHELTER FOR COYOTES. C'3 z YES NO VEGETATION ■ VEGETATION ISTRIMMEDTO REDUCE HIDING PLACES FOR WILDLIFE. Q ACCESS UNDER DECKS,IN SHEDS,NEAR WOOD PILES OR OTHER U OUTBUILDINGS AREAS IS RESTRICTEDTO PREVENTCOYOTES FROM DENNING. (n 0 FENCING REAR YARDS AND SIDE YARDS ARE ENCLOSED WITH 8 FOOT FENCING Z ■ (OR WITH 6 FOOT FENCING WITH AN ADDED EXTENSION OR ROLLER TOP). MOTION MOTION SENSOR SPRINKLERS,LIGHTS OR OTHER FIXTURES HAVE BEEN J SENSORS ■ ADDED TO DETER WILDLIFE. WATCH OVER PETS TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY AND ENSURE THEY ARE NOT INDIRECTLY ATTRACTING WILDLIFE YES NO OUTDOORS ■ PETSARE NEVER LEFT UNATTENDED OUTSIDE. ~ PLAYTIME ■ PETS ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO"PLAY'WITH COYOTES OR OTHER WILDLIFE W LL ENCLOSURES . IF LEFT OUTDOORS,PETS ARE FULLY ENCLOSED IN CATIO OR DOGIO. PETWASTE FECAL MATTER IS REGULARLY DISCARDED TO ELIMINATE ODORS FROM ATTRACTING COYOTES. WALKS* PETS ARE ALWAYS WALKED ON A LEASH NO LONGER THAN 6 FEET LONG. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN THE HUMANE SOCIETY APPENDIX B OF THE UNITED STATES COYOTE HAZING GUIDELINES: How to Haze for Effective Reshaping of Coyote Behavior Generally, coyotes are reclusive animals who avoid human contact. Coyotes who've adapted to urban and suburban environments, however, may realize there are few real threats and approach people or feel safe visiting yards even when people are present. These coyotes have become habituated (lost their fear of humans), likely due to the ready availability of food in our neighborhoods. Sometimes, this food is deliberately provided by people who like to watch wild animals or misguidedly feel they are helping them by feeding. These bold coyotes should not be tolerated or enticed, but definitely given the message that they should not be so brazen. oknHazing is a method that makes use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or " activity. Hazing can help maintain a coyote's fear of humans and deter them from neighborhood spaces such as backyards and play spaces. The following guidelines are adapted from the Denver, Colorado . - coyote problem mitigation program's Hazing Guidelines, written by the Natural Areas Program of the Denver Parks and Recreation Department in October 2009. These guidelines have proven very successful at correcting problematic coyote behavior both in the short and longer term. Methods of Hazing include: Using a variety of different hazing tools is critical; coyotes can habituate to individual items, sounds, and actions. • Yelling and waving your arms while approaching the coyote • Noisemakers: Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, soda cans filled with pennies or dead batteries, pots and pans banged together • Projectiles: sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls, rubber balls • Other: hoses, water guns with vinegar water, spray bottles with vinegar water, pepper spray, bear repellant, walking sticks "Go Away Coyote!" • The simplest method of hazing a coyote involves being loud and large: o Stand tall, wave your arms and yell at the coyote, approaching it if necessary, until it runs away. o Follow this link for a demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDm9wifcdbw&feature=plaver embedded) • If a coyote has not been hazed before, he may not immediately run away when you yell at him. If this happens, you may need to walk towards the coyote and increase the intensity of your hazing. • The coyote may run away, but then stop after a distance and look at you. It is important to continue to haze the coyote until he completely leaves the area. You may need to use different tactics, such as noisemakers, stomping your feet, or spraying the coyote with a hose, to get him to leave. 78 Dog-walking Tools • There are several tools that you can carry with you while walking your dog that can be used to repel coyotes. (Remember to always walk your dog on a leash.) These include: o Homemade noisemakers (follow this link for "recipe"): http://www.stanleyparkecology.ca/programs/conservation/urbanWiIdIife/coyot es/deterrent.php o Whistle or small air horn (you can purchase small air horn "necklaces") o Squirtguns o Pepper spray o Pick up sticks or rocks and throw them towards the coyote In Your Yard: Remember, keeping pets and pet food inside is the best way to keep coyotes out of your yard. If you do encounter coyotes, all of the above methods can be used in your yard at home. First, try the "Go Away Coyote!" method (yell and wave your arms as you approach the coyote). Here are some additional methods you can also use: • Squirt the coyote with your garden hose • Bang pots and pans together Remember: • NEVER run away from a coyote! • The coyote may not leave at first, but if you approach it v closer and/or increase the intensity of your hazing, it will run away. • If the coyote runs away a short distance and then stops ` 4 � ` and looks at you, continue hazing it until it completely �r " leaves the area n,r4 • After you have successfully hazed a coyote, he or she may -71 return again. Continue to haze the coyote as you did g y y ��� � before; it usually takes only one or two times to haze a coyote away for good. j- • Coyotes are skittish by nature and as a rule do not act aggressively towards aggressive people. However, engaging animals that are sick or injured can result in unpredictable behavior. If you suspect that a coyote is sick or injured, contact the proper authorities and DO NOT interact with the coyote. Tips for Success: • The more often an individual coyote is hazed, by a variety of tools and techniques and a variety of people, the more effective hazing will be for changing behavior. • The coyote being hazed must be able to recognize that the potential threat is coming from a person. (Hiding behind a bush and throwing rocks, for example, will not be effective.) • Techniques and tools can be used in the same manner for one animal or multiple animals. Usually there is a dominant animal in the group who will respond, and others will follow her lead. • Certain levels of hazing must always be maintained so that future generations of coyotes do not learn or return to unacceptable habits or behaviors. • Educating the public about removing coyote attractants, proper pet care and safety, and coyote behavior are critical parts of a successful coyote plan. For more information and tips, see our website: www.humanesociety.org/animals/coyotes 79 COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN COYOTE ACTION AND RESPONSE PLAN APPENDIX C Coyote Action Classification Response Communication Education REPORT COYOTE FEEDING www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote Pet safety information Enforcement Heard Hazing Education Green Report to huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote Data plotted and available on Seen moving or resting in area with no people present huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote Hazing Seen resting in area with people present Report to huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote Pet safety information Yellow Pet safety information Neighborhood Watch Entering a yard with or without pets Yard audit Wildlife Watch engaged Hazing Entering yard and injuring or killing pet w/o people present Report to www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote Pet safety information lW}i`opge; Yard audit Community Outreach Biting or injuring pet or pet on leash longer than 6' Eliminate attractants A: Gather information on specific animals involved Lethal removal considered Following or approaching person with or without pet(Stalking) Hazing Report to www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote Entering yard or home with people& pets Pet safety information Yard audit City will contact CDFW to determine removal. Biting or injuring attended pet or pet on leash 6'or less Eliminate attractants Gather information on specific animals involved Aggressive, showing teeth,back fur raised,lunging, nipping Lethal removal considered w/o contact Biting or injuring person Gather information on specific animal involved City will contact California Department of Fish and CALL 9-1-1 Wildlife for Lethal removal. REPORT FEEDING AND SIGHTING 714-960-8811 www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/coyote 7/5/2022 HONTINGTON BEACH w� •x �- �- 2022 UPDATE COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN I; tR�. Examine City policies, the Municipal Code, and best management practices to address coyote issues and enhance public safety Report Sightings& Feedings HBMC 13.48.075—Prohibits feeding of wildlife huntingtonbeachca.gov/ 2022 Coyote Management Plan coyote Community input received Improvements to City response to aggressive coyote reporting HBPD (714) 536-591 3 Proactive emphasis Report feeding Q Q Enforcing HBMC ' ONE NIINIINGION BE.CN 1 7/5/2022 Identify wildlife attractants and implement deterrents Animal proof trash receptacles on order Report Sightings& Feedings Contact made with retailers reference trash abatement huntingtonbeachca.gov/ Sign installation upcoming coyote HBPD(714) 536-591 3 0 2 NUNiINGION BEACN Utilize convenient technology for accurate, real-time reporting Report MyHB App Sightings& Feedings Weblink on City Website huntingtonbeachca.gov/ coyote QR Code on signage HBPD(714) 536-591 3 re NUN IINGION BEACN 2 7/5/2022 , ,. Review of OC Animal Care contract Obligated until 2026 Report Basic domestic animal control services Sightings&Feedings Education—May 9 Town Hall CDFW huntingtonbeachca.gov/ Manages State's Wildlife coyote Education—Canvassing Establishment of local Wildlife Watch programs Takes lead in escalated incidents HBPD(714) 536-591 3 URI. xuxnnsrax Bucx In summary, the updated 2022 CMP incorporates newer tools and best management practices. Report The goal of the plan is to safely coexist with our local Sightings&Feedings coyote population by modifying some human behavior to discourage coyote habituation, with the primary focus huntingtonbeachca.gov/ being on public safety. coyote HBPD(714) 536-591 3 B BC � o. XIIMiIBGIBx BEBCX 3