Since there have been a whopping 13 sightings of coyotes in urban Culver City in recent months, Lt. Sam Agaiby of the Police Dept. will meet with Culver Crest homeowners — and any other interested residents — on Wednesday evening at 7 at El Rincon Elementary.
As city officials feel their way through this rare, almost exotic scenario, a warning that transcends all others is:
Do not leave children or small pets unattended outdoors.
Three of the most fascinating nuggets that Lt. Agaiby will disclose in response to the multi-pronged question of why:
- The baker’s dozen worth of appearances is deceptive. Experts – fish and wildlife-types – believe that the potentially scary, nagging multiple invasions of Southern California civilization likely have been committed by a mere two coyotes, three at the most.
- Why? Human nature at work. Lt. Agaiby said that intrigued humans who have encountered the troublesome and curious coyotes have treated them as if they were harmless, cuddly stray puppies. They ain’t.
- Correct response, according to Lt. Agaiby: Employ any handy means to shoo them away, scare them off. It or they are to be discouraged from ever returning. Never feed them.
Since the beginning of summer, coyotes – or two ridiculously curious ones – have been espied in three areas – the Crest, Syd Kronenthal Park on the near east side and the Baldwin Hills.
While you will note two of those areas are hilly, Lt. Agaiby has been told the topography is irrelevant.
Coyote-watching or coyote-spotting sounds like fun. Such an other-worldly, almost abstract subject. But humans who know these animals intimately say stay away.
Lt. Agaiby may be contacted at osama.agaiby@culvercity.org
Thank you for reporting this escalating danger in our community. The Culver Crest Neighborhood Association is working with CCPD and Animal Control and this meeting will include representation from the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. It was precipitated by a number of pet cats that went missing and a few that were found mauled in peoples yards. The situation escalated last month when a coyote jumped a back yard fence and mauled a dog. A second dog was killed by a coyote that jumped an almost 6 foot wooden fence in an enclosed back yard. These animals are skilled hunters and kill for food, and they are not shy or intimidated by large dogs, or children. The LA Times reported that in Laguna Beach, a coyote entered a home undetected, entered into a child’s room, snatched a small dog, and ran out the back door with the helpless owner stunned by what he saw.
We sincerely hope that our officials have a real solution for this problem. All neighborhoods are welcome as this really is a threat to all communities in and around Culver City where similar problems are occurring. This may be a rare opportunity to hear from Fish and Wildlife, who have the only jurisdiction over wild animals.