Anytime a human is in danger from a coyote, call 9-1-1 first

Coyote Safety for Rossmoor

Please report coyote sightings through our innovative coyote activity reporting system. You can also call our Wildlife hotline 562.521.9453 and provide your first-hand sighting information.

Rossmoor residents should take precautions to avoid creating potential problems:

• Feed pets indoors or promptly remove dishes when pets complete their meals outdoors. Store bags of pet food indoors.
• Close lids on all trash cans.
• Do not use plastic bags as garbage containers. Coyotes can rummage through them looking for food.
• Remove fallen fruit – particularly avocados, from your yard. Coyotes eat the fallen fruit nd the fruit attracts other food ‘sources’ for them.
• Clear and brush and trim plants/bushes up from the ground to remove shelter for rodents and reduce protective cover for coyotes.
• Keep small animals pets, especially cats and dogs, indoors as much as possible, especially from dusk to dawn.
• Do not feed or provide water to coyotes or other wildlife.

Coyotes visit Rossmoor at all times of the day and night. If you see a coyote, stand your ground. Do not run from them as they may want to chase you (like a domestic dog will at times). Please be very cautious when leaving animals and small children unattended outdoors.

Over the past several years, coyote sightings have become more common within Rossmoor. Although statistics show attacks on humans are extremely rare, it is always a good idea to regularly remind you how to safely co-exist with coyotes.

First and foremost, the most effective way to prevent coyote attacks in our neighborhood is to eliminate the feeding of any wildlife whether intentionally or accidentally. That means keep trash cans secure, do not leave pet food outside and do not feed them food of any kind. Coyotes are generally timid and shy animals that tend to steer clear of any potential danger and thus pose little threat to humans.

Residents with small pets (less than 20 pounds) should supervise them while outdoors. Domestic cats left outdoors can also serve to attract coyotes. It is important that domestic cats and small dogs be kept indoors. A coyote cannot tell the difference between a small cat or dog and a rabbit, mouse or any other food source.

Always use a secure, sturdy leash when walking your dog. Retractable leashes are not recommended as they tend to jam and can make it difficult for you to protect your pet from a predator.

If you see a coyote during the daytime or are approached by a coyote, you should yell, wave your arms and/or throw something at it. Do not run as this will cause the coyote to pursue what it thinks is prey.

Most importantly, share this information with your neighbors.

The video below is an excellent presentation from Long Beach Animal Care, created specifically for the City of Seal Beach. The information applies directly to Rossmoor. Orange County Animal Care provides our animal control here in Rossmoor and can be reached here: 714-935-6848. Please do not call Long Beach Animal Care to report coyotes in Rossmoor, they will not respond.