More Coyote Activity
Most of Brentwood has reported seeing more coyote activity during the day as well as the night. Coyotes (and their young) are coming into our area looking for food. Experts recommend eliminating fruit from ornamental trees that hit the ground, securing garbage so it is not lying on the ground, not leaving pet food outside, and cutting back on vegetation where coyotes can hide. Learn more about how to exist with Coyotes from the California Wildlife Center. Remember, if a coyote approaches you:
- Wave your arms.
- Shout in a low, loud tone.
- Throw objects at the coyote while maintaining eye contact.
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Make yourself look as big as possible.
- If you are wearing a jacket, take it off and swing it around over your head.
- Do not turn your back and run from the coyote as that could trigger a chase.
Be sure to keep your dog on a leash when walking and if you see coyotes in your area, do not leave children and dogs unattended outside. More information on what to do is included in this brochure.
The City of Los Angeles does not trap coyotes unless they are injured. It’s illegal to trap and relocate wildlife (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 465.5) and the Department will not kill or hunt coyotes. CA Fish & Wildlife has jurisdiction over wildlife.
If there is a particularly aggressive coyote in your area, CA Fish & Wildlife has the equipment to safely remove that animal. Please report a wildlife incident with CA Fish & Wildlife directly: https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir
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Birds and Brush Clearance
The nesting period for the majority of birds in Los Angeles is early March through mid-August. This coincides with the annual brush clearance requirement for residents living in high fire zones. The good news is that you can follow the brush clearance requirements, be fire vigilant, and protect nesting birds at the same time. Here are a few important guidelines to help protect nesting birds and their critical habitat:
- Follow and read the LAFD directions carefully – trim and remove only what is required. (check the LAFD website for the CURRENT requirements in the LAMC.)
- Do not denude your hillside! Birds, and other wildlife, depend on native shrubs for food, shelter, rest, and nesting. Furthermore, a denuded hillside can destabilize the hillside and lead to mudslides during the rainy season.
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If you hire a crew to assist with brush clearance, hire a professional contractor who understands the rules and regulations and has been trained to protect nesting birds as well. (see last week's email on safe brush clearance removal)
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Don’t be fooled into thinking that brush clearance time is an opportune time to do a major trimming of your trees. Trimming trees in the spring is unhealthy for your trees and it is destructive for the health of our nesting birds. Trees should only be trimmed during late fall or winter.
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If you or someone you hire finds an active nest, do not disturb the bird, its eggs, or the nest. It is illegal to harm or remove an active nest for any native bird in California.
Most of the information obtained from Los Angeles Audubon’s bird friendly tree trimming guide. You can learn more from the complete guide here. Thank you to Mindy Rothstein Mann from the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council for this update. |
Board of Forestry example of compliance with PROPOSED Zone 0 regulations. |
Zone 0 Webinar by Board of Forestry May 12
The next meeting of the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection's Zone 0 Regulation Advisory Committee will be Monday, May 12. If you would like to attend the webinar, you must register here. To learn more about our concerns, shared by local scientists with The Urban Wildlands Group, go to our website.
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USEFUL APPS TO HAVE
Download the Caltrans QuickMap to get freeway traffic information directly from the source. See lane closures, freeway speed and other useful information.
Download LA County The Works app to report NON ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEER fire debris removal trucks who are using side streets, not covering their load with tarps, and other violations. Similar to the City's MyLA:311, you can report other issues as well. |
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