LIVING WITH WILDLIFE

We get to enjoy an abundance of wildlife within our Brentwood community, and from hummingbirds to owls, raccoons to deer, we coexist with many of nature’s beautiful animals. Our wildlife also includes coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions.

Coyotes

While coyotes normally pose no threat to humans and keep their distance, there are times when they can become aggressive. Below are prevention tips from LA Animal Services to keep pets and family members safe:

  • Never feed coyotes, as doing so they may lose their fear of humans and become aggressive (it is also against the law).

  • Do not approach coyotes for any reason.

  • Closely supervise children at all times while outside.

  • Keep pets on leash and close by at all times.

  • Keep pet food and water dishes inside, secure food and trash at all times and remove sources of water.

  • Remove overgrown brush and hanging bushes to improve visibility.

  • If a coyote approaches or acts aggressively, throw rocks, make noise, look big, and pick up small children and pets. Do not turn your back on the animal. Remember the intention is to scare, not hurt, the coyote.

  • If a coyote is frequently seen around schoolyards or playgrounds or is acting aggressively, contact LA Animal Services Wildlife Program at (323) 225-9453 or the LA City Park Rangers at (323) 644-6661.

    If a coyote attacks, call 911.

    Wild Cats - Mountain Lions and Bobcats

    Many of us remember the visit from a mountain lion down at Gretna Green and San Vicente in the fall of 2022. That big cat was safely trapped and transported to an area where it would have more safe space to roam. Below are tips from the U.S. Forest Service to help ensure that you and your family and pets are safe from the big wild cats.

  • Be aware of your surroundings

  • Carry a whistle when hiking or biking to make noise and scare off any wild cats that may cross your path.

  • Avoid going out alone early in the morning or late at night.

  • Keep your children and pets close, and do not let them roam around freely.

  • If you spot a mountain lion and the animal is unaware of you, alter your route so that you will move away from its area. If it sees you, do not run. Instead, make yourself look larger - stand upright, raise your arms, raise your walking stick, open your jacket - and shout loudly to deter the cat. Do not run. Remain calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly while facing the mountain lion and maintaining eye contact.

  • Never approach a mountain lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens.

  • Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Always give them a way to escape. 

  • If you have small children or pets with you, try to pick them up without turning away or bending over.

  • Never bend over or crouch down, avoid looking like a four-legged prey animal . Again, Do not bend over to pick up a rock or stick off the ground. This action may trigger a pounce response in a mountain lion.

  • If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice, and throw objects like any water bottle in your hand. The goal is to convince it that you are not prey and may be dangerous yourself. 

  • Try to remain standing to protect your head and neck.

  • If attacked, fight back!! Use rocks, jackets, sticks to turn away the mountain lion.

  • Should you observe a mountain lion on your property or in the neighborhood, contact California Department of Fish & Wildlife,858-467-4210, LA Animal Services Wildlife Program at (323) 225-9453 and/or California State Park Ranger Station Will Rogers Park (310) 230-2017.  If you believe there is the threat of immediate danger, contact 911.

    Ducks

    California law generally protects the nests and eggs of birds. Ducks nesting near pools often ends up with bad results, because the ducklings start getting into the pool, and then are not able to get out, and drown. Ducks are beautiful birds, they are messy birds, and their ducklings are not equipped to get out of swimming pools. Some advice from LA Animal Services:

  • Discourage nest building behavior. Cut back shrubbery and if you see ducks looking to build a nest, try to scare off the ducks without harming them, with loud noises or with a hose. Do not feed the ducks (which goes for all wild animals). Keep your pool covered.

  • If ducks have built a nest, once the ducklings hatch, and if the pool is not covered, provide a ramp from the pool to the decking so that the ducklings have an opportunity to exit the pool.

  • Never get between a mother duck and her ducklings.

  • Do not attempt to pick up ducklings, as the mother duck may fly away and abandon her young.

  • If there are abandoned ducklings, reach out to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities, (see listings on their webpage: Wildlife Rehab, an expert rehabilitator - a list of resources at this link, or the Department of Animal Services.