As reported by Malibu Surfside News – a coyote visit resulted in the dealth of a small dog in the Big Rock area of Malibu.
To ensure that you can minimize your chance of an encounter you need to get educated!
What is a coyotes? Well, they area a small wild canine weighing only 20-45lbs with thick fur making them look larger. They are fast – really fast, an can run at speeds of up to 40mph with a great ability to leap over tall structures – even 6 foot fences. Mating season is February and March with females giving birth in April and May. They are most active at dawn and dusk.
Make sure to check your crawl spaces and any outbuildings at the time of year as this is likely where they will nest.
Cover all garbage cans, compost piles, put away the pet food, clean the BBQ and of course make sure to lock the doggie door when your pet is not using it. Also, be prepared with your landscaping – a fence may not be much of a deterrant but it can help.
On the plus side, coyotes actually have a great benefit in an urban environment – they naturally keep the rodent population down, which keeps disease under control.
Do not think that you can kill one without penalty – they are protected as wild canines by state law with a $7000 fine for harming them. On the flip side do not purposefully feed them! This is also against the law.
All in all, with us encroaching on their natural habitat it is no wonder that sightings and encounters are becoming more common. However by taking some of these measures and preparing yourself then you can be ahead of the game!
If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 or via her online contact form on her website.
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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582
