Coyote Management
A Coyote Management Task Force was formed by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) to address the existing and rising coyote issues in the San Gabriel Valley. The task force met several times to assess the feasibility of developing a regional coyote management framework. Aside from working with member agencies, SGVCOG collaborated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the County of Los Angeles, the University of California, and other external stakeholders to develop a regional approach in addressing the rising coyote issues. As a result of regional collaboration, the Regional Coyote Management Framework (RCMF) and the Coyote Management Implementation Plan (CMIP) were developed.
REGIONAL COYOTE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
In July 2019, the SGVCOG Governing adopted the Regional Coyote Management Framework (RCMF) as a comprehensive regional coyote management model for all San Gabriel Valley cities. The strategies listed within this framework are based on balancing respect and protection of wildlife without compromising public safety. This document serves as a framework that individual cities can modify and adopt based on their needs and interests; however, languages of individual San Gabriel Valley cities’ Coyote Management Plans should generally be consistent with this document if possible.
The RCMF serves as a "best practices" document that cities can utilize as a resource that includes coyote management strategies, reporting tools, public education recommendations, and other resources to reduce human-coyote conflicts. The RCMF was developed using the following principles:
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Human safety is a priority in managing human-coyote interactions.
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Coyotes serve an important role in San Gabriel Valley’s ecosystems by helping to control rodent populations.
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Preventive practices are crucial to minimizing potential interactions and encounters with coyotes.
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Solutions for coyote conflicts must address both problematic coyote behaviors and the human behaviors that invite them.
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Non-selective coyote removal programs are ineffective for reducing coyote population sizes or preventing human-coyote conflicts in the long run.
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Regionwide programs that involve residents can improve coexistence among humans, coyotes, and pets.
COYOTE MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The Coyote Management Implementation Plan (CMIP) utilizes the Regional Coyote Management Framework principles to create a mechanism for cities in the San Gabriel Valley to create a more robust coyote management and outreach program that extends throughout the region. Under this plan, the SGVCOG will serve as the umbrella organization that is responsible for providing public outreach services and creating a comprehensive reporting mechanism on behalf of participating cities.
CMIP was approved by the SGVCOG Governing Board in July 2019 and requires at least ten participating San Gabriel Valley cities in order to be launched. This program not only ensures that there are dedicated staff and resources working on safety issues caused by coyotes, but also provides a comprehensive and integrated regional approach to coyote management. As a part of CMIP, SGVCOG will be providing the following services:
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Coyote Safety Community Meetings and Trainings
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Informational Website
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Mailers and Social Media Outreach
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Online Coyote Reporting Tool
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Regional Coyote Reporting Online
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Youth Outreach and Education Program
This program was launched with the Cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, Irwindale, Montebello, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, and Temple City in November 2019.