Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Wildlife topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents report coyote attacks; council asks staff to invite state wildlife to present options
Summary
A series of public comments described recent coyote activity and one resident reported a pet killed; the council asked staff to invite California Department of Fish and Wildlife (or equivalent state agency) to present abatement/management options and compile local resources for residents.
Several residents told the City Council on Sept. 2 that coyotes have become more frequent in West Covina neighborhoods, and a resident said coyotes killed a longtime family pet. Councilmembers asked staff to request a presentation from the state wildlife agency on available control, relocation and mitigation options.
At public comment, a resident described multiple sightings on Walnut Creek and nearby streets and said the coyotes had attacked pets and posed a risk to children. The resident said coyotes were observed more frequently in recent years and urged an immediate response. The acting city manager said the state Department of Fish and Wildlife handles coyote regulation and that the city’s website includes a coyote management plan; staff will call the state to request a presentation and provide examples of steps other local cities have taken.
The council also asked staff to assemble contact information for private wildlife removal services that residents could hire if they wished to pursue removal on private property. The city advised residents to call police for immediate threats and to report sightings so staff and public safety can evaluate patterns and identify den or den‑like sites on city property.
Why it matters: West Covina residents reported more frequent coyote activity, including pet attacks. The council’s request for a state presentation is intended to clarify what actions are legally and practically available to the city and to residents.
Ending: Staff will reach out to state wildlife authorities and return with options and a list of local resources; residents were advised to report dangerous animal encounters to police immediately.
