Just got this note from JPL's Alice Wesson today:
Dear Neighbors:
At 8:15AM Friday July 25, 2008, one of my staff observed a woman walking the fire road found alongside JPL’s east parking lot. The woman was observed beating off a coyote that was trying to attack her dog. The coyote had froth around its mouth. Dog and woman are fine, if shaken up. The coyote was observed running away towards the area north-west of Florecita Farms/Meadows area.
I called Pasadena Humane and made a report and JPL security who made a report to forestry.
Please use appropriate caution when in the area. Wildlife are always here. We live in "their" territory.
From U.S. Department of Agriculture's website
Here are some steps you can take to reduce the chance of human-coyote conflicts:
Do not feed coyotes!
• Eliminate sources of water, particularly in dry climates.
• Bird feeders should be positioned so that coyotes can't get the feed. Coyotes are attracted by bread, table scraps, and even seed. They may also be attracted by birds and rodents that come to the feeders.
• Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it.
• Secure garbage containers and eliminate garbage odors.
• Feed pets indoors whenever possible. Pick up any leftovers if feeding outdoors. Store pet and livestock feed where it is inaccessible to wildlife.
• Trim and clean, near ground level, any shrubbery that provides hiding cover for coyotes or prey.
• Fencing your yard could deter coyotes. The fence should be at least 6 feet high with the bottom extending at least 6 inches below ground level for best results.
• Don't leave small children unattended outside if coyotes have been frequenting the area.
• Don't allow pets to run free. Keep them safely confined and provide secure nighttime housing for them. Walk your dog on a leash and accompany your pet outside, especially at night. Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits, and other vulnerable animals.
• Discourage coyotes from frequenting your area. If you start seeing coyotes around your home or property, chase them away by shouting, making loud noises or throwing rocks.
These steps may decrease the frequency of coyote sightings in your area if practiced continuously. However, coyotes are adaptable to change and are quick to learn new ways of survival. Occasional sightings most likely will continue. By making life for coyotes in your neighborhood more difficult, you will increase the likelihood that they will go somewhere else.
For further information please visit:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
What to do if you have potential rabies exposure:
