LOS FELIZ—California’s Department of Fish and Game was alerted last week when a man who was napping in Griffith Park near the Travel Town area woke up to find a coyote biting his foot.  The man was not seriously injured.

USDA trappers responded to the incident by shooting and killing seven coyotes in Griffith Park.  Capturing and killing coyotes are normal procedures for the USDA when coyotes pose an imminent threat to the public. 

It is uncertain whether or not one of the seven coyotes that were killed was the attacker.  The victim had reported the incident too late and authorities could not take DNA samples to determine if the coyote responsible for the attack was shot by USDA. 

In the State of California, coyotes may not be relocated at any time of year.  The USDA states, “Coyotes can be shot where legal and appropriate or captured using a variety of restraining devices.  California Department of Fish and Game Regulations prohibit the relocation of coyotes without written permission from the department

Locals who caught wind of the incident are outraged by the USDA’s decision to capture and shoot so many coyotes in the park. 

This was the second coyote attack in the last two months in Griffith Park.  The first occurred in late August, when a park visitor was bitten by a coyote. 

It has also been reported early last week that singer Jessica Simpson was devastated when saw a coyote take her maltese-poodle mix, Daisy, just outside her Los Angeles home.

According the USDA brochure on coyotes, they are most active at dawn and at dusk and are most aggressive during the months of May through September. “Domestic dogs are especially vulnerable to attack during this time,” states the brochure.  It has been advised that pet owners keep their dogs on short leashes especially during dawn and dusk hours, or to keep pets indoors. 

Coyotes are attracted to pet food or water that is left outdoors, birdseed feeders or food sources used to attract small animals to residences, accessible garbage or compost, and decks or any structures that would make good dens.  Wildlife experts advise residents with any of these listed items to take precautions to prevent coyotes from paying a visit to your home.  

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