By Jorge Casuso
May 13, 2025 -- In recent weeks, accounts of coyote sightings and attacks linked to the Palisades Fire have been increasing, mainly in the north side of Santa Monica, according to police.
On May 2, the Police Department received "multiple inquiries" about flyers posted near the city's northwestern edge reporting coyote attacks on pets, according to the latest post on the Department's weekly crime blog. |
| Picture taken at 10 a.m. last week, corner of 25th and
Washington Avenue (Photo by Elaine Golden-Gealer) |
The flyers -- posted from 4th Street to Lincoln Boulevard between Palisades and Georgina avenues -- state that three dogs had been killed and another four injured in the attacks
The blog notes that Animal Control "had received no formal reports of such incidents." It added that officers will "conduct periodic patrols during early mornings and evenings to monitor for coyote activity."
Animal Control did receive a "coyote bite report" on May 6 from a resident in the south side of the city near the 1100 block of Pacific Street, according to police.
The resident reported his dog was bitten by a coyote on May 4 and "sustained a minor wound near its rear," police said.
The dog will be quarantined at home for 30 days and two box traps were set on the property, according to police. A bite report was submitted to L.A. County.
City officials said experts have linked the increase in coyote sightings to the Palisades Fire, "which devastated large areas of the Santa Monica Mountains and displaced numerous wildlife species, including coyotes.
"As a result, these animals have ventured deeper into urban neighborhoods in search of food and shelter," officials said.
In a blog post on the City's website Tuesday, City officials provided tips on understanding coyote behavior and what to do during an encounter with the "highly adaptable and opportunistic animals."
"While they are generally nocturnal, they may be seen during the day, especially when displaced or during denning season" from February through June "when they are actively protecting and feeding their young."
While coyotes typically avoid humans, they can become "more bold or visible" when they lose access to their natural habitat or food during events such as wildfires.
They also show up where they can easily find food or where people feed them, according to the post.
Officials advise residents to secure their garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids; bring pet food indoors, especially at night, and keep pets inside from dusk to dawn.
Residents should also trim overgrown bushes that can provide hiding places for coyotes, who should never be fed or ignored.
When encountering a coyote it is important to "stay calm and never run." Instead, raise your arms to look larger and "make loud noises" by yelling or clapping."
During an encounter "maintain eye contact and slowly back away," officials advise.
To report sightings or concerns, call Animal Control at (310) 458-8595 Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. For after hour requests for service call SMPD's Non-Emergency line at (310) 458-8491.
