Long Beach Lawmaker Calls for Change in Coyote Protocol

August 17, 2015

(CA) A Long Beach city councilwoman is pushing for a study to evaluate the current protocol when dealing with coyotes.

This city of Long Beach is paying special attention to coyotes after increased sightings and recent attacks in neighboring cities.

Councilwoman Stacy Mungo is asking the City Council to approve a study evaluating the current protocol when dealing with coyotes.

"Do we need to start going out into the community, neighborhoods where coyotes are, and the golf courses and the parks and start hazing them where they are, instead of letting them come into our communities where people aren't feeling safe," Mungo said.

The proposed policy has found a rare middle ground between concerned residents and animal rights activists.  Both sides feel that focusing on non-lethal action is the right direction and want to see more education for the community.

"Closing pet food doors, picking up falling fruit doing everything to eliminate any type of wildlife attractants," said Randi Feilich with Project Coyote.

According to a staff report, a study would cost about $2,500 to $5,000.

This story was originally published by Greg Lee on abc7.com.