Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

Extensive, urban development of hillside areas in Los Angeles County has created an undesirable human interface with coyotes (Canis latrans). Plentiful, readily available household garbage, pet foods, and water have spawned abnormal numbers of bold coyotes that have adopted residential properties and the human environment as ideal habitat. Consequently, at least six persons have been attacked, including the death of a three-year old child, during the past three years. Selective use of padded steel traps, shooting, and public education are presently being used in problem areas by the Agricultural Commissioner in an attempt to reindoctrinate these predators into returning to their natural habits.