Resident Coyote Pack Rattles Westside Neighborhood: Report

MAR VISTA, CA — From P-22 to the grinning black bear, Los Angeles loves its wildlife, but coyotes stalking people and pets in packs are not quite-so endearing.

Ring camera footage from Mar Vista recently showed a coyote stalking a man walking his dog in broad daylight. According to multiple reports, neighbors recorded several coyotes walking single-file along a fence bordering a residential yard, and another recorded a coyote charging toward two small dogs in a backyard.

Venice and Mar Vista residents are long accustomed to coyotes wandering around the Ballona Wetlands, but the pack currently wandering the neighborhood appears to be more brazen, frequently preying upon pet cats and dogs, according to neighbors.

Los Angeles County Department of Weights and Measures officials recently identified a den in shrubbery lining three properties, CBS reported. Neighbors told CBS that the pups have become older and bolder, forming a pack of about 10 coyotes that prey upon pets.

They shared Ring footage showing a coyote stalking a man as he walked his small dog at about 7 a.m. on June 4.

Jeanelle Arias told KTLA the neighbors are desperate for help from city, county or wildlife officials and are frustrated by the inaction.

“My dogs were outside in the backyard going to the bathroom and all of a sudden a coyote approached my 14-year-old senior dog and tried to attack it,” she told KTLA. “Luckily, my younger dog saw what was going on and he chased it off.”

Coyotes have been found in just about every Southern California neighborhood including LA's Downtown area. Some cities have chosen to trap or irradicate the animals, but many urge residents to learn to live with the wildlife by taking certain precautions.

The Los Angeles Animal Services offers these tips:

• Never get friendly with coyotes.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal's direction.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Do not allow cats outdoors to roam (day or night).
• Do not use a retractable leash—a leash should be no more than 6 feet. This allows you to be in control of your pet and ensures it's close to you at all times.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery and clear brush near your home to reduce places where coyotes live and hide.
• Keep pet rabbits in suitable cages.
• Keep tight covers on all trash containers, and put trash out on collection day at the latest opportunity.
• Never leave water or pet food outside.
• Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water.
• Never feed coyotes.
• Never attempt to touch, pet or capture wildlife. These animals will bite to protect themselves.