With a recent surge in coyote encounters throughout Ventura County, an agency has now come up with a management plan.
Ventura County Animal Services says the drought has led to more coyotes coming into populated areas because they’re looking for food and water. There has been an increase in coyote sightings and coyotes attacking pets.
“These are all high concerns for us because we want to make sure the community is safe along with the pets as well. So, we want to educate the community and make sure that they understand about coyote behavior and what they can do to resolve it,” said VCAS Supervising Animal Control Officer Brian Bray.
His agency has created a Coyote Management Plan that includes taking preventative steps like keeping small pets inside at night and not leaving food or water outside. The plan also covers what to do if you encounter a coyote.
“One of the things we highly recommend is making yourself look big, waving your arms, making a lot of noise, making yourself look really big to scare them away,” Bray said.
Bray will be presenting the plan at Simi Valley Neighborhood Council meetings this week.