Coyote Sightings Surge in Santa Monica Following Palisades Fire

Increased Coyote Activity in Santa Monica

• ⚠️ Residents in Santa Monica are on edge due to a significant rise in coyote encounters, with animal control receiving 20 calls in the last 3 months alone.
• 🏘️ Sightings are occurring in urban neighborhoods, particularly along 4th Street between Alta and Georgina Avenues, with coyotes becoming more comfortable during daylight hours.

Displacement Due to Palisades Fire

• 🔥 Experts suggest that the increase in coyote activity is a direct result of displacement caused by the recent Palisades Fire, pushing wildlife into residential areas.
• 🐾 Signs in the neighborhood indicate that packs of coyotes have been responsible for the deaths of at least three small dogs.

School and Pet Safety Concerns

• 🏫 Schools have begun alerting parents about coyote sightings, with one incident reported near a playground during school hours.
• 🐕 Residents are altering their routines, with many no longer walking their dogs after dark due to safety concerns.

Safety Recommendations and Precautions

• 🚨 Santa Monica Police have issued a warning, advising residents to secure trash, bring pet food indoors, and exercise caution when walking dogs.
• 👁️ If a coyote is encountered, authorities recommend looking it directly in the eye, acting large and loud, and slowly backing away.
• 📱 Personal vigilance is key; residents are advised to avoid distractions like phones or headphones and to remain aware of their surroundings.
• 📞 It is important to report all coyote sightings to animal control.