State Rule Thwarts Plan to Capture Coyotes

Ventura County Animal Regulation officials have run into a snag in their attempt to capture and relocate coyotes that have been coming out of the hills in Camarillo recently and trying to attack small pets.

The state Department of Fish and Game will only allow animal regulation officials to move the coyotes within a one-mile radius from where they are caught.

“I had high hopes for our trapping system, but this basically ties our hands,” said Patrick Muscone, the department’s education officer who designed the “Acme Coyote Trap.”

The camouflaged cage was to contain a chicken, and project recorded sounds of wounded animals that would lure the coyote into the cage. Once the coyote entered, it was to be trapped in a wire box and separated from its intended meal by a solid door.

The plan was to then relocate the coyote to less populated areas in the county where plenty of ground squirrels, other rodents and water are available.

Instead, Muscone has changed his attack plan and will launch an informational campaign next week about fencing alternatives to keep coyotes away from small pets, including chain-link dog runs.

Muscone’s first stop will be at Leisure Village at 2 p.m. Monday in the Recreation Center. There have been four sightings of coyotes there lately, including one that resulted in the killing of a small dog.

But Muscone says many homeowners’ associations do not allow residents to alter fences.

“I’m hoping this new push will help homeowners get the strength and stamina to meet with their architectural review boards,” Muscone said.

During the next couple of months, Muscone will also meet with groups in Camarillo Heights, Bell Canyon, Box Canyon and, perhaps, the foothills of Ventura.

“There’s been a few sightings in Ventura lately and it’s only a matter of time before we start getting chronic complaints,” Muscone said.