Coyote Awareness and Reporting in Laguna Woods Village
Coyotes are native to California and are part of our regional ecosystem. They can be seen throughout Laguna Woods and surrounding areas, from open spaces to residential neighborhoods. While most encounters are nonthreatening, coyotes can sometimes behave aggressively toward people or pets.
Laguna Woods Village follows the guidance of the City of Laguna Woods and Laguna Beach/Laguna Woods Animal Services to help residents stay informed and safe.
Coyotes in the Village
Laguna Beach/Laguna Woods Animal Services works year-round to prevent and respond to aggressive coyote behavior. Their approach includes:
- Habitat management: Cooperation with property owners to remove dens, layups and hiding areas.
- Targeted abatement: In rare cases, removal of habituated coyotes that pose a safety threat. Broad abatement is avoided because research shows it can increase reproduction and overall coyote numbers.
- Public education: Officers are available to speak in person or remotely and can attend club or neighborhood meetings.
- Hazing: Use of sound, visual and tactile deterrents, such as noisemakers or nonlethal water balls, to frighten coyotes away.
Call 9-1-1
- If a person or pet is under attack or in imminent danger
Contact Laguna Beach Animal Services
949-497-0701 (Press 0)
Call or email if you:
- Encounter a coyote acting aggressively
- Witness or know of a coyote attack
- See off-leash dogs (except in the city dog park)
- Observe dogs on leashes longer than 6 feet
- See anyone feeding wildlife
Contact the Non-Emergency Coyote Hotline
949-639-0501 (leave a voicemail)
Call or email if you notice:
- Overgrown vegetation that could shelter coyotes
- Pet food or water bowls left outdoors
- Fallen or low-hanging fruit
- Ground-level vegetable plants outside garden centers
- Bird seed on the ground
Residents can take simple steps to reduce risks and keep wildlife at a safe distance:
- Keep dogs leashed (6 feet or less) when outdoors. Off-leash or long-leash walking is illegal and increases attack risk.
- Walk in groups when possible. If you encounter a coyote, stand tall, shout, wave your arms and throw small objects. Carry a whistle, air horn or noisemaker.
- Avoid walking near Aliso Creek, a natural habitat and water source for coyotes.
- Keep cats indoors. Free-roaming cats are easy prey.
- Feed pets indoors. Outdoor food and water attract coyotes.
- Never feed wildlife. Doing so is illegal under Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 5.20.070.
- Pick up fallen fruit and remove produce within three feet of the ground.
- Keep bird feeders clean. Fallen seed can attract rodents that draw coyotes.
- Report aggressive behavior directly to Laguna Beach Animal Services so it can be addressed quickly.
- Coyotes cannot be eradicated. Large-scale removal leads to higher reproduction rates and larger populations.
- Coyotes cannot be relocated. It is unlawful to abandon or move coyotes elsewhere.
- Coyotes cannot be poisoned or sterilized. Both are illegal or not feasible.
- City of Laguna Woods: www.cityoflagunawoods.org
- Laguna Beach/Laguna Woods Animal Services: coyotes@lagunabeachcity.net, 949-497-0701
- Non-emergency coyote hotline: 949-639-0501
- Download the city’s coyote awareness brochure: Coyote awareness brochure
免責事項
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace the City of Laguna Woods’ official coyote management policies or legal requirements. Residents should follow city guidance and contact Laguna Beach Animal Services for any concerns involving coyote activity.
