Item 19 - Memorandum - Appropriate Action Regarding Coyote "Problem"9:
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DATE:
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CITY OF POI TAY
Mayor and Members of the City Council
Bob Eery, Deputy Mayor
December 16, 1986
SUBJECT: Appropriate Action Regarding Coyote "Problem"
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First, I want to, acknowledge that there is a "coyote problem,' in a part of
the Green Valley area. Whenever the citizens of an area, perceive a
problem, then one exists. My concern is that we address the problem frau,
an informed position that willinsure. a long range solution.
Inthe past few days, I have done considerable research, onthe question of
man r s intrusion into the coyote'snatural habitat. r have contacted the
Curator of mals of the Wild Animal Park, the. Escondido Humane Society,
the former director- of the Wildlife Rescue Center in: Poway, and a represen-
tative of the Sierra Club. I havealso contacted several. residents in. the
Green Valley area toy learn firsthandof their concerns.
My intent in this issue stems from a long time acclimation for the coyote as.
one of the most intelligent, wily,resilient andresourcefulanimals,
anywhere in the: world. I have lived. in Poway for nearly 20 years and one
of my greatest. pleasures istohear the coyotes at. night. I have lost
several cats to coyotes,cats that failed to "get smart. I also have a 17
year old cat that learned the ropes early.. Coyotes are a part of rural
Poway.
After making my contacts,. sane "truths" become very apparent. Allpeople
contacted agreed`, that:
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1. Elimination of the present coyotes willonly result in their place
being taken by a new group. Coyotes instinctively fill a void where
there is a food source.
2. Live trapping of coyotes is nearly impossible. They are just too
smart.
3. Coyotes go where there is a food supply and that food supply
includes , rabbits, other rodents, cats, small dogs, catfood, dog .food,
open garbage, etc
DEC 1 3986 ITEM 19
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Mew,_: Coyotes
december 16, 1986
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4. If the food supply diminishes, the number of coyotes will decrease.
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5. Coyotes do not run in "packs." They may remain as a family unit
until the pups reach a certain age, but they hunt alone.
6., The tong range solution to the problem rests:- with an educated pope—
.
loos!,, not eradication. Coyotes are-here to stay.
'est of the above information is contained in the staff report. However,; as
much firsthand. knowledge of the subject is kinportant to fully understand:
the problem and proposed. solutions..
To consider supporting a control activity, the following must apply:
1. That the. City°s liability be clearly, outlined.
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.20- That the threat or menace of these animals be clearly. established..
�= If they are as omnipresent. asreported, photographic evidence should
be obtained.
3. .definite time limit (30days)be established for the program.:
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4. Defnite.boundaries be established that cannot be. exceeded.
57.z Daily reports on animals contacted be, available. to. Council. and
Staffs
6. That the: carcassest be disposed of through;, some means that does not
provide, pelts for. sale.
7'e That the agency hired be: licensed by the State of California..
8. That all families in-the. area be notified that an eradication
program, is being instituted..
AtL present, 'L would hope: that some. to shooting can: found. I
•alternative
do. not support that. method of dealing ng ws.th endangered wildlife. However,
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if the Council chooses to adopt the Staff recommendation, I would hope that
the above criteria would be'requlred.
5/C/COYOTE1. & 2
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