Coyotes claim cats
A series of coyote sightings and related cat disappearances here have left residents on edge about the safety of their small pets.
The wild animal, which is often seen in residential areas around hillsides, parks and vacant lots, has been spotted in the western part of the canyon numerous times since the spring, reemerging after staying clear of the area for several years, according to George Wolfberg, the president of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association, a neighborhood group.
Wolfberg said he has received a number of e-mails from residents who reported seeing coyotes near their homes, some even sadly noting that their cats have since disappeared.
While coyotes mainly prey on rodents, small mammals and insects, they are opportunistic and have been known to kill cats, small dogs, poultry, sheep and goats, according to Los Angeles Animal Services. Coyotes can survive on whatever food is available, from rodents to rubbish, from insects to fruit to carrion.
Many well-meaning residents of urban hillside and rural areas have promoted an unnatural boldness in coyotes by intentionally or unintentionally feeding them. This has led to a significant spike in the number of coyotes, who have expanded their range to include residential areas, according to a report by the County Of Los Angeles Agricultural Commission.
4C5,A coyote was spotted most recently on Wednesday in Santa Monica. Margherita Donatoni was walking her dog around 9 p.m. on 14th Street near Carlyle Avenue when she saw a coyote. She immediately brought her dog back home and began frantically searching for her cat, which she lets out every night around dusk.
About two hours after spotting the coyote, Donatoni saw her cat’s body on a neighbor’s lawn.
“I want to start making some (warning) fliers and hand them out to neighbors,” Donatoni said. “I’ve seen a lot of fliers for lost cats lately.”
Donatoni said she hadn’t seen a coyote in the area for years and was surprised to see it so earlier in the evening.
“They’re usually out late at night around 2 a.m.,” she said.
Many residents have also noted coyote sightings during the day time, Wolfberg said.
He suspects the coyotes are returning after a long absence because neighbors are unintentionally leaving food out where the wild animal might be able to reach them.
Some residents have reported seeing a pack of coyotes wandering the streets. A coyote was recently seen at one of the flight of stairs located along the edge of the canyon, frequently used by residents as part of their workout, Wolfberg said.
600,A few of the e-mails mentioned hearing coyotes howling at night, a reminder that they’re lurking around.
On May 7, a resident near Rustic Canyon Park reported that their cat was missing. He had observed a coyote on the prowl for about a month before the disappearance.
Marilyn Wexler, who is a member of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association, said her cat was nearly killed by a coyote three years ago.
The coyote came up to the kitchen door and grabbed the cat, named Paco, and took off.
“Fortunately my husband was right there and ran out and kicked him in the rump,” she said. “He dropped Paco and took off.”
The California Department of Fish and Game estimates that there are about 250,000 to 750,000 coyotes in the state. The animals weigh an average of 18 to 40 pounds and can sprint up to 40 mph.
Many urban coyotes die young by getting hit by cars or becoming stricken with a disease.
Residents can keep coyotes out by putting fences that are at least 6 feet tall and buried down to at least 12-18 inches underground, according to Los Angeles Animal Services.
The agency also recommends keeping pets indoors at all times, walking with a leash when outside.
As coyotes are attracted to an area because of food, L.A. Animal Services advise that trash should be kept inside cans with a lid securely fastened. Spraying ammonia on trashcans several times a week can eliminate the odor of food.
Fallen or low-hanging fruit should be immediately picked and vegetable gardens should be protected with a heavy-duty fence.
“When you’re dealing with a wild predator, you want to look as large as possible,” Wolfberg said. “Don’t go out and walk a small dog that’s going to be an hors d'oeuvre.”
Jump hedline: Coyotes claim cats
Suggested pullquote: “Fortunately my husband was right there and ran out and kicked him in the rump.”
Marilyn Wexler
Santa Monica Canyon resident
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 2, 2008. Read the original PDF.