California Wildlife Agencies to Hold Workshops on Coyotes in Urban Areas
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA — Due to an increase in the number of reported conflicts between humans and coyotes in California, a series of online-based workshops are planned to help local communities and residents understand the reasons for that increase and how to reduce future conflicts.
The first workshop offered by the California Fish and Game Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is scheduled for March 26, 2021. Dates of additional workshops will be provided later.
Interested in participating in this conversation about coyotes in the urban environment? You can visit the Commission website to learn how to join the workshop.
Public Concerns
Eric Sklar chairs the commission’s Wildlife Resources Committee. “The Commission and CDFW have heard and understand public concerns about increasing human interactions with coyotes in our cities and towns,” says Sklar. “Living with wildlife brings challenges. The workshops provide an opportunity to both share and learn more about how we collectively address that reality.”<
Wildlife, including coyotes, ventures into populated areas to search for food, water or shelter. Human-coyote interactions are on the rise. The many reasons include increased urbanization, increased abundance of food and water sources. Access to attractants such as pet food, human food, pets and small livestock has also increased. Increased interactions can lead to human-coyote bites, pet loss (depredation) and disease transmission concerns. Adaptive, integrated strategies exist to mitigate conflicts and address concerns.
“One of the great things about the State of California is the abundance of open area, natural habitat and diverse wildlife,” said CDFW Deputy Director of Wildlife and Fisheries Stafford Lehr. “But with the rise of human interactions with wildlife, in particular urban coyotes, it is important that the Commission and CDFW work together to improve awareness and safety.”
Science and research
CDFW and the Commission expect these workshops will provide an inclusive virtual platform for meaningful discussion on human-coyote conflicts and integrated coyote management planning. The first workshop focuses on the science and research related to coyotes in the urban environment. It also looks at the current laws, regulations and jurisdictional roles that create a foundation for communities to reduce human-coyote interactions.
WHAT: Coyotes in the Urban Environment Workshop Series
WHEN: March 26, 2021 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) – Workshop 1 (Science & Research; Laws & Regulations)
WHERE: Participants will join via Zoom. Please register in advance and take the online survey. Visit the Commission website or CDFW Facebook page for invite information.