If you see a coyote in a residential area, please call Animal Services or report your coyote sighting to coyotes@lagunabeachcity.net.

Coyote Handouts

What You Can Do

  • Keep your pets indoors in the evening and at night.
  • Secure the lid to your garbage cans and dumpsters.
  • Clean up thoroughly after you grill outside either at your home or in a City park.
  • Do not leave food or water outside - not for your own pets and not for wild animals.
  • Harvest your garden and fruit trees as soon as your vegetables and fruit are ready.

Like most communities located in semi-rural areas, Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods have active coyote populations. Due to the brushy canyon areas and natural “den” type rock formations, our hillsides provide an attractive environment for coyotes and other animals. Numerous small wild animals in the area provide a plentiful natural food supply for coyotes and other predators; however, coyotes are very resourceful predators and have learned to follow man for a much easier and more palatable diet.

Refuse in commercial and private garbage dumpsters, pet food, and domestic cats now comprise a large percent of the diet for the “Urban Coyote”. Garden plots, fruit trees, and golf courses offer additional incentives for these animals to move closer to humans. Some ill-informed citizens even leave food out for coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife which, of course, escalates the problem. Sightings of coyotes are reported regularly; however, these animals usually flee from humans. Usually the only threat coyotes pose is to pets that are allowed to run loose. Coyotes will eat dogs as well as cats, rabbits, and other small, accessible pets.

Most attacks occur during the evening hours, but daytime incidents have been reported. Animal Services recommends that pets not be let outside during evening hours. Cats are at risk at all times and should be kept indoors completely. This is most crucial in areas that border undeveloped open space. Also, when pets roam without identification, Animal Services is unable to notify most pet owners of the fate of their missing pets.