Coyote Information

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are native to California and can be seen everywhere from densely populated urban areas to more rural, wilderness-type settings. Coyotes are a common sight in Laguna Woods and the surrounding area. While most encounters with coyotes are non-threatening, some problematic coyotes can exhibit aggressive behavior and attack people and pets. Factors that may increase coyote activity in urban areas include, but are not limited to, wildlife feeding and the presence of other “attractants” (e.g., off-leash dogs, dogs on long leashes, and free-roaming cats), human development that encroaches on wilderness areas, and climate-related reductions in wilderness sources of food and water.

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Coyotes (Canis latrans) are native to California and can be seen everywhere from densely populated urban areas to more rural, wilderness-type settings. Coyotes are a common sight in Laguna Woods and the surrounding area. While most encounters with coyotes are non-threatening, some problematic coyotes can exhibit aggressive behavior and attack people and pets. Factors that may increase coyote activity in urban areas include, but are not limited to, wildlife feeding and the presence of other "attractants" (e.g., off-leash dogs, dogs on long leashes, and free-roaming cats), human development that encroaches on wilderness areas, and climate-related reductions in wilderness sources of food and water.

Coyote Awareness Bifold

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Wildlife is Here

Here in Laguna Woods, we are fortunate to live in a community that was purpose-built to include greenbelts, scenic walking paths, and plentiful areas for outdoor recreation. This sets Laguna Woods apart from other, more densely developed cities in Orange County.

Laguna Woods also enjoys prime geography being situated on the eastern edge of the 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, which is home to some of the last remaining coastal canyons in Southern California and a host of rare and endangered species.

Aliso Creek – one of the only natural creeks in Orange County – starts at the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains and runs through the southeastern quarter of Laguna Woods before draining to the Pacific Ocean in the neighboring city of Laguna Beach.

All of this means that wildlife in and around Laguna Woods is abundant. On any given day, you should expect to see birds, rabbits, squirrels, and coyotes, to name a few.

Coyotes are the principal mammalian predator in the westerly wilderness areas and play a key role in the local ecosystem. Coyotes and other wildlife are also drawn to Aliso Creek both as a natural water source and wildlife corridor connecting the mountains to the ocean.

Living in Laguna Woods means coexisting responsibly with wildlife. Stay alert, avoid behaviors that attract or habituate wildlife, report aggressive incidents, and encourage others to do the same.

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Leashes Aren't Optional

The law is simple. In Laguna Woods, if a dog is outside of its home or the City’s dog park, it must be on a leash. That’s all dogs, regardless of obedience, training, or temperament.

Leashes cannot be longer than six feet. At full extension, that means a dog should generally be no more than three steps away from its accompanying human.

Just because a leash is available for purchase does not mean it is legal. Retractable leashes are widely available but are almost always longer than six feet.

If you see an off-leash dog or a dog on a leash longer than six feet, please call (949) 497-0701 or email code@lagunawoods.gov.

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Wildlife Feeding: Dangerous & Illegal

Though it may be well intentioned, feeding wildlife is dangerous and illegal. This includes tossing bread to birds, feeding nuts to squirrels, leaving food or water out, and allowing large amounts of seed to accumulate under bird feeders.

Why is it illegal?

Coyotes and other predators follow their prey to food sources; feeding one feeds them all.
Feeding wildlife draws them closer, which can increase the spread of typhus, plague, and other human illnesses.
Human food is not healthy for wild animals. They need a natural diet, not your diet.
If you suspect wildlife feeding, please call (949) 639-0522 or email code@lagunawoods.gov.

Do Not Feed Wildlife Flyer

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Wildlife is Here

Leashes Aren't Optional

Wildlife Feeding: Dangerous & Illegal

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