Info, Resources for Reducing Wildlife Activity in Area

Submitted by the City of Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita is fortunate to be located next to lush wilderness parks and trails. But with this beautiful and natural landscape come occasional visits from local wildlife. 

In light of a recently reported mountain lion sighting, the City is providing the following information and helpful tips to discourage wildlife activity in your neighborhood:

• Supervise children and pets at all times, especially near wildlife areas.
• Keep pet food indoors and do not leave food of any kind outside at night. Food left out at night will be taken as a welcome invitation by wildlife.
• Remove any fruit which has fallen to the ground.
• Store trash in covered, heavy-duty containers.
• Keep yards free from potential shelter such as thick brush and weeds, and enclose the bottoms of porches and decks.
• Check fencing and try to eliminate access points.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.

Though wildlife attacks on humans are rare, if an animal exhibits aggressive behavior or poses a threat to public safety, residents should immediately call 9-1-1. 

For more information about wildlife in urban areas, contact OC Animal Care, at 714-935-6848 (www.ocpetinfo.com) or visit the California Department of Fish and Game’s website at www.dfg.ca.gov. 

TELL US IN THE COMMENTS: Do you have other tips for keeping away the critters?