Huntington Beach city authorities focus on calming coyote fear

Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy reassured worried pet owners and fearful residents Monday that authorities are doing their part to keep people and animals safe from coyotes.

Handy, at a city council meeting, presented data about the predators after an online tool was launched in January where people could report the wild animals in their neighborhoods.

Over the last three months, authorities have trapped and euthanized nine “aggressive” coyotes, Handy said.

The trappings and euthanizations have cost the department about $10,000 so far, Handy estimated.

A coyote that is trapped must be euthanized because relocating it from its natural habitat could spread diseases to other wildlife and would simply move the problem elsewhere, experts say.

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Handy said in the last six months, 44 pets have been attacked, and 13 of those were while people were present. Three additional pets were attacked while on leashes. Another 40 coyotes entered properties and 42 approached a person with their pets.

He said coyotes are identified as aggressive when they don’t show any fear to people and don’t respond to hazing techniques, such as when people make loud noises or carry sticks.

“It’s not normal behavior for a coyote to attack an animal on a leash right next to a person, especially during the day,” Handy said, adding that coyotes are traditionally nocturnal.

Most of the sightings of the animals have been near the Bolsa Chica wetlands, along the Santa Ana River, by Huntington Harbour and near Central Park.

While there have been no attacks on humans, Handy noted a 13-year-old boy near the wetlands fought off a coyote to rescue his dog, which the coyote placed in its mouth.

Another woman in the same neighborhood said a coyote chased her into her home. The animal then jumped a fence into her backyard.

Residents have long complained about coyotes snatching and killing pets.

At a city council meeting on June 6, about a dozen people spoke in opposition to the animals, encouraging police to be more proactive.

Resident Vanessa Smith said a coyote killed her cat last month.

“It’s getting to the point where I’m afraid of walking my dog because the coyotes are constantly out looking for food,” she said.

Others expressed concerns for the safety of children.

Cindy Atkinson, who has had two cats killed by coyotes, said she is worried for her grandchildren.

“If you’re waiting for your child to get bit, it’s only a matter of time,” she said.

Handy on Monday said he encourages residents to utilize the online tool and report coyotes to authorities when they are seen so they can identify aggressive behavior and prevent coyotes from attacking children.

“Our goal is to get more people reporting so we can see that behavior,” he said. “We don’t want [the coyotes] to get used to their conditions and surroundings and lose their fear of humans.”

City council studies wayfinding signs

Visit Huntington Beach presented multiple options for potential wayfinding signs in downtown Huntington Beach during a study session Monday.

The presentations included three options and designs for signs like parking, directions and lifeguard tower locations, which would be paid for by Visit Huntington Beach, a group promoting tourism in the city.

Merje, the consulting firm working to develop the signs with Visit Huntington Beach, also presented a neon sign that could be placed at the end of the pier.

Because of the nature of a study session, no council action was taken but some council members did express concerns.

Mayor Jim Katapodis said a sign at the end of the pier could block views of the beach and said it is likely not needed.

“If you’re in Huntington Beach and you don’t know you’re there until you get to the pier, we’ve got a problem,” he said.

Council member Erik Peterson agreed, expressing worries of stickers, paint and general deterioration on the signs.

Council member Michael Posey argued the signs may enhance tourism, especially the one over the pier, which he referred to as “selfie central.”

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Brittany Woolsey, brittany.woolsey@latimes.com

Twitter: @BrittanyWoolsey

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