Saratoga Coyotes: Q&A With County Vector Control Manager Russ Parman

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District placed snare traps in early July in a Saratoga neighborhood where residents said several coyotes had attacked animals and were too close to humans. The coyotes were seen in June in the area of Oriole Road a few blocks north of state Highway 9. 

An announcement posted on Saratoga Patch on June 11 by reader Michael Metz said the following: "Neighbors, we have extremely aggressive coyotes in the WV College area. Dogs, cats and other pets have been killed, walkers and joggers threatened." And the city issued a press release in June following the sightings.

We contacted Russ Parman, acting district manager for the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, for this question-and-answer article.

Saratoga Patch: When did you officially begin your trapping program in Saratoga?

Russ Parman: June 29, 2013

Patch: Describe the "single box trap" you used and where it was placed?

Parman: We normally don’t reveal our trapping locations, but they are placed in areas showing signs of coyote activity near the problem areas. The box trap is a cage trap just big enough to hold a coyote, baited with pet food or other attractants.

Patch: Where can residents report sightings?

Parman: At http://www.sccvector.org, or call 408-918-4770. Please be as detailed as possible in your reports. Our field staff may call back with further questions if needed.

Patch: How many sightings have been reported this year by Saratoga residents?

Parman: Approximately 130 since January.

Patch: What causes Coyotes to come into the city?

Parman: Food, water and shelter. Coyotes become “urbanized” over time and can lose their fear of humans.

Patch: How dangerous can a coyote encounter be?

Parman: Coyote attacks are extremely rare, and these types of trapping operations don’t happen very often.

Patch: What should one do if encountering a coyote?

Parman: Make the encounter as fearful and unpleasant for the coyote as possible. Throw rocks, yell at it, make loud noises.

Patch: When are you ending your trapping program in Saratoga? Exact date?

Parman: We don’t have an exact date at this time. When the problem animals have been removed or it appears that they have moved on.

Patch: What happens to coyotes once they're trapped?

Parman: They are humanely euthanized.