Residents are warned to protect their children and pets from resident wildlife such as coyotes. There has been an increase in coyote sightings or interactions in the area surrounding the former Moiola Elementary school site. This can possibly be attributed to residents using the school site as a makeshift dog park. With a large number of dogs in the area, this will undoubtedly concentrate the odor of dogs along with the scent of their urine and feces in the school site. This only serves to attract coyotes to the area in search of prey. The attraction is further compounded with the ease of access to the area since the flood control channel runs along the south side of the site. Coyotes use the flood control channels to travel throughout the area. Residents are advised to not use the fields as a dog park and to properly pick up after their pets. Residents are also advised to keep their dogs on a leash (6 feet maximum), which is a requirement per Orange County Municipal Code 4.01.045.
Coyotes are indigenous to this area and can become a problem if food, water and shelter are available. Taking these preventative tips will help in deterring problems associated with wildlife.
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FOOD
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NEVER hand feed or intentionally feed a coyote.
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PET FOOD
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Never feed pets outdoors; store all pet food securely indoors.
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WATER SOURCES
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Remove water attractants (such as pet water bowls and leaky irrigation).
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BIRD FEEDERS
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Remove all bird feeders or clean fallen seed to reduce the presence of small mammals that coyotes prefer to eat.
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FALLEN FRUIT
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Clean up fallen fruit around trees.
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COMPOST
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Do not include meat or dairy among compost contents unless fully enclosed.
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BBQ GRILL
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Clean-up food around barbecue grills after each use.
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TRASH
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Secure all trash containers with locking lids and place curbside the morning of trash pick-up. Periodically clean cans to reduce residual odors.
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LANDSCAPING
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Trim vegetation to reduce hiding places and potential denning sites.
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STRUCTURE/OUTBUILDINGS
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Restrict access under decks and sheds, around woodpiles, or any other structure that can provide cover of denning sites of coyotes and their prey.
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FENCING
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Enclose property with 6-foot fence (or 8-foot fence when back up to an arterial highway) to deter coyotes. Ensure that there are no gaps and that the bottom of the fence extends underground 6 inches or is fitted with a mesh apron to deter coyotes from digging underneath.
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PETS
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Never leave pets unattended. Never allows pets to play with coyotes. Fully enclose outdoor pet kennels. Walk pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length.
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Please call our Police business line at (714) 593-4485 to report coyote sightings so they may be tracked. For attacks on humans and/or pets please call our emergency line (9-1-1) for immediate response from FVPD and OC Animal Control. OC Animal Care can also be contacted directly at (714) 935-6848 to report wildlife that is sick, injured, dead or has had physical contact with humans or domestic animals.
Fountain Valley Code Enforcement can be contacted for any municipal code violations (i.e. overgrown vegetation) at (714) 593-4512. To view the municipal code and coyote information, please visit the City website at www.fountainvalley.org.
For more information on the laws pertaining to urban wildlife and their protection, visit the Department of Fish and Game website at www.dfg.ca.gov.