Earlier this week, the Windsor Square Association (WSA) alerted residents to coyote sightings in Windsor Square. The e-mail alert was sadly punctuated by a local family’s loss of a their little dog to one of the coyotes.
Windsor Square resident and KTLA reporter Lynette Romero addressed the problem from a different angle: with TV coverage. On Friday morning, Romero reported live from in front of the home where the coyote attack happened. Romero interviewed the family who lost their dog with the hope that sharing their experience would create context and help fuel a call to action in order to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Romero was also joined by CD4 City Councilmember Tom LaBonge who committed to working with Animal Control to find a way to improve the situation.
Coyotes have lived in our area for a number of years – usually thought to be residents of the “wilds” of Wilshire Country Club. There have been sightings in both Hancock Park and Windsor Square in past years, and many just this last week. Â There were also sightings yesterday evening in Windsor Village which means this animal has no fear of crossing the busy boulevard! However, the fact that the coyote attacked the dog, the high number of sightings and the fact that they have been seen during the middle of the day – these are signs that the coyote(s) isn’t finding food where it normally does and it is hungry.
Do take precautions…secure trash cans, take any uneaten pet food inside, and be mindful of pets and small children.
This picture of a coyote was posted on Instagram & Twitter – having been spotted cruising the neighborhood around 1pm on Wednesday, December 11.
I saw this Coyote walking the streets of Hancock Park at 1pm today! Wiley Coyote. http://t.co/MxgrmMoise
— Tony Okungbowa (@TONYOK) December 12, 2013
If you see a coyote, please report to the West LA Animal Shelter at 323-225-9453.
A special thanks both to the local family who lost their pet and to KTLA Reporter Lynette Romero for elevating the conversation. And to Councilmember LaBonge for agreeing to make finding a solution to this problem a priority.
