Citation:
Guerin, Emily. “Why California Officials Are Killing Coyote, after Coyote, after Coyote.” LAist, 16 Mar. 2018, laist.com/news/kpcc-archive/what-happens-when-a-coyote-bites-a-person.
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The article recounts a recent incident at Cal State Los Angeles where a five-year-old boy was bitten by a coyote while walking with his father. The boy was hospitalized, likely receiving a rabies shot. A university police officer subsequently attempted to shoot the coyote, which had also been seen stalking another individual, but the animal escaped. In California, coyotes are considered "non-game animals," allowing for their unlimited killing except through poisoning or leg-hold traps. Following the attack, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) intensified efforts to capture the coyote, including DNA analysis from the boy’s clothing and setting traps on campus. DFW officers continue operations until they find a genetic match to the boy’s attacker, reflecting the challenges posed by coyotes' intelligence and elusiveness.
This approach to handling coyote conflicts is controversial. Researcher Niamh Quinn suggests that while lethal control targets aggressive coyotes, it is only a short-term solution, as other coyotes quickly fill the void. Instead, she advocates for public education on how to coexist with urban coyotes. Lisa Lange from PETA emphasizes preventive measures, such as removing food sources that attract coyotes and enforcing fines for those who leave food out. Despite rising public concern and anecdotal evidence of increasing coyote aggression, comprehensive data on coyote attacks is lacking. Experts advise making noise, appearing larger, and throwing objects to scare off coyotes, thereby promoting safer coexistence and reinforcing their fear of humans. This incident highlights the complexity of managing urban wildlife and the necessity for both immediate and long-term strategies to mitigate conflicts, underscoring the role of public education and preventive measures.