Coyotes and Wild Animals

Protect Your Small Pets from Coyotes

The City of Cerritos contracts with Long Beach Animal Care Services to provide a wide range of services, including coyote management. The City of Long Beach has a comprehensive coyote management plan and that plan serves as the de facto plan for Cerritos by extension of the service contract. The majority of cities in the region all have similar coyote management plans as each plan must be in accord with the regulations established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

California coyotes have adapted to residential neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces in urban and suburban areas, and have seemingly lost their fear of humans. This may be a result of behavioral changes that have occurred over several generations of coyotes, in localities where predator control is no longer practiced.

Cerritos residents who see a coyote in their neighborhood should attempt to frighten it away by shouting, throwing rocks, squirting it with a water hose, blowing portable air horns, or otherwise acting aggressively in order to reinforce the coyote’s fear of people. Motion-sensitive lights on houses or outbuildings may also deter coyotes from approaching.

If you or your pets are approached by an aggressive or fearless coyote, consider the following tips:

Shout in a deep voice
Wave your arms
Throw objects at the animal
Look the coyote directly in the eyes
Stand up if you are seated
If you are wearing a coat or vest, spread it open like a cape so that you appear larger
Retreat from the situation by walking slowly backward so that you do not turn your back on the coyote

For More Information

Coyote Information (National Park Service Website)

Community Safety Division
(562) 916-1266

Long Beach Animal Care Services
(562) 570-3057