Neighborhood Coyote Assessments to Begin in November

PASADENA, Calif.- Beginning in November 2024, neighborhood coyote assessments will be conducted in four neighborhoods across the city to gain a better understanding of coyote behavior, including local coyote population and attractants. In 2023, Pasadena City Council approved staff recommendations to dedicate resources to enhance public outreach, learn more about local coyotes from experts, and assist residents in protecting their pets and loved ones.

As part of this effort, Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has secured the services of Humane Wildlife Control Incorporated (Inc.) to conduct a field study in up to four neighborhoods where coyote complaint data demonstrates heightened community concerns. Humane Wildlife Control Inc. plans to study coyote behavior through in-person canvassing and use of cameras to gather information about coyote activity.

Prior to the start of each assessment, PPHD will notify residents about assessment activities. In addition, signs informing residents about the purpose of cameras and their locations will be placed in neighborhoods where assessments are being conducted. Cameras may be mounted to light poles, trees, or street signs for a maximum of four days.

Cameras will capture public rights of way such as streets, walkways, parks, or other public areas. Footage may show front lawns, but direct camera views of homes will be avoided. Cameras will not capture any areas where a resident would have an expectation of privacy and audio recording functions will be disabled.

The City of Pasadena will only retain recordings that feature coyotes and upon issuance of the neighborhood assessment reports, will delete any gathered footage where coyotes are not present.

The result of each assessment will be a written report that will help the city understand coyote behavior in the selected neighborhoods, including recommended actions expected to reduce the possibility of human-coyote conflicts.