Coyote Management: Los Angeles vs San Diego
How do coyote management rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA?
Los Angeles and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles follows a coexistence policy: residents are expected to haze coyotes and remove attractants. LAMC §53.06.5 makes it unlawful to feed wildlife, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules forbid relocation or trapping of healthy coyotes that have not threatened public safety.
View full Los Angeles rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego follows a coyote coexistence approach. Animal Services urges hazing and attractant removal. SDMC §44 prohibits feeding wildlife. California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules forbid relocating healthy coyotes; depredation permits are reserved for confirmed-aggressive animals.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding ban | LAMC §53.06.5 | - |
| Default response | Hazing and attractant removal | Hazing and attractant removal |
| Relocation rule | Prohibited for healthy coyotes | Banned for healthy coyotes |
| State authority | California Fish and Wildlife | California Fish and Wildlife |
| Permit pathway | CDFW depredation permit only | - |
| Wildlife feeding | - | Prohibited by SDMC §44 |
| Field response | - | San Diego Humane Society |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I trap a coyote in my yard?
No, not on your own. Healthy coyotes cannot be trapped or relocated under California Fish and Game rules. A licensed trapper acting under a CDFW depredation permit may remove a specific aggressive animal.
What should I do if a coyote enters my yard?
Haze it: shout, wave arms, bang pots, or spray a hose. Bring small pets indoors, secure trash and fruit, and report aggressive behavior to LA Animal Services so a depredation review can begin.
San Diego FAQ
Can I trap a coyote in my yard?
No, not on your own. California Fish and Game rules bar trapping or relocating healthy coyotes. Only a licensed trapper acting under a CDFW depredation permit may remove a confirmed-aggressive specific animal.
What should I do if a coyote enters my yard?
Haze it. Shout, wave arms, bang pots, or spray a hose. Bring small pets indoors, secure trash and fruit, and report aggressive behavior to Animal Services so a depredation review can begin.
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