City reminds residents of ways to avoid coyote attacks

After last week’s reported attack in Laguna Beach in which a coyote snatched a Chihuahua from inside a house on Oak Street, the city is reminding residents what precautions it is taking and what residents can do to keep safe.

City officials were already taking steps to address coyotes even before the Nov. 23 incident when resident John Fischer said he saw a coyote carrying his 8-year-old dog Eloise from the bedroom to the yard.

Professionals have been setting traps throughout Laguna in the last four months, while animal control officers now carry paintball guns that shoot thin plastic capsules filled with clear water to humanely scare coyotes away from residential areas.

Five adult coyotes have been trapped since July.

“In accordance with state law, any coyote that is trapped is humanely euthanized, they can not be relocated,” Laguna Beach police Sgt. Tim Kleiser wrote in an email.

City staff have placed yellow signs alerting the public to areas of reported attacks and sightings, and created a new email address at coyotes@lagunabeachcity.net for residents to report non-emergency sightings and concerns to the Animal Services Department.

“Animals should not be left outdoors unattended and pet doors should be closed to prevent entry to and from homes,” the city said in a statement. “Under no circumstances should people feed coyotes or leave food or water in accessible areas — this practice will encourage coyotes to enter the area looking for food and increase the risk of an attack.”

Laguna has seen several daytime attacks.

The city offers free home inspections upon request to give advice on how residents’ can protect themselves from coyotes. The public may call (949) 497-0701 or visit the city’s website at lagunabeachcity.net for more information.