Readers React: Coyote killers in Seal Beach

To the editor: I am outraged to learn that the city of Seal Beach has decided to continue the horrific killing of coyotes. While most other cities in California have opted to use humane and non-lethal methods of dealing with their coyote populations, Seal Beach is basically using the gas chamber. (“Seal Beach will continue to trap, kill coyotes despite protests,” Oct. 14)

As a pet owner, I can fully appreciate the pain Seal Beach residents feel at the loss of a beloved cat or dog. But people need to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

When you live in an area where coyotes are known to be present, you need to learn how to coexist. You keep your pets inside at night, at dawn and at dusk, hours when coyotes are present. You don’t leave pet food outside. You secure your trash. If you see a coyote, you make noise. Coyotes will flee.

Failure to learn how to coexist on the part of humans should not mean a death sentence for coyotes or other wildlife that have as much right to live as humans and their pets.

Janet Hoben, Burbank

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