Plan includes new hotline and warning signs in parks
Culver officials are ramping up their efforts to curb the City's growing problems with coyotes roaming local neighborhoods, including the establishment of a "dedicated coyote hotline" to report sightings or incidents and the placement of permanent warning signs in public parks.
"We documented 50 deaths of animals where there were still enough of the remains so that we could identify them," said Gelli Harris of the group Save Our Pets.
Though coyote sightings have been reported across the City, most have come from the communities of Carlson Park, Culver Crest and Blair Hills.
The uptick in sightings has largely been blamed on the long drought that plagued the Southland for years.
The scarcity of fresh vegetation and rainwater pools caused by the drought lead to a huge decline in mice and other small wildlife that coyotes typically thrive upon, experts say, forcing the wild dogs into more urbanized areas to forage for food and water.
The City's coyote hotline is (310) 253-6141. Sightings or incidents can also be sent via email to http://www.animal.services@culvercity.org or filed online, https://geodata.ucanr.edu/coyoteCacher/form.
Reports should include the date, time and location of the coyote activity, a City spokesperson said.
In addition, "We are investigating the possibility of adding additional animal-control staff," the City announced in a written statement. "Finally, the City will participate in an upcoming field study which will help us learn more about coyote behavior and strategies to protect the community."
The City has also issued some safety guidelines:
• Don't leave pets unattended. Cats and small dogs are especially vulnerable to attacks.
• Don't leave food outside. The small animals it may attract may, in turn, lure coyotes.
• Keep your yard clear of fruit droppings. Coyotes prefer meat but will also eat fallen citrus or vegetables.
• Secure refuse containers. Open garbage cans or bags can attract the unwanted visitors.
• If confronted by a coyote, don't ignore it or run. Instead, wave your arms and yell at it.
Culver City officials are also urging residents to join "Wildlife Watch," a partnership program in which the community and City departments work to establish a comprehensive and integrated management strategy to minimize problems that can result when residents interact with wildlife-or, vice-versa.
For more information about the program, contact Police Lieutenant Aubrey Kellum at aubrey.kellum@culvercity.org.
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