The executive director of Seal Beach Leisure World recently confirmed that the Golden Rain Foundation is considering a pilot program to trap coyotes.
However, no actual decision has been made yet. If the program were launched, trapping would only take place on Leisure World’s common grounds.
Ted Stevens, manager for Long Beach Animal Care Services, recently told the City Council that coyotes could legally be trapped on private property.
In related news, a multi-city and agency coyote meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10, at McGaugh School.
Randy Ankeny, Leisure World’s executive director, said on Friday, Aug. 29, that they were still considering trapping coyotes. He said there were a lot of issues to resolve.
He said a decision is pending further review by the GRF Board.
“We will take any action that is fully legal, that is key,” Ankeny said.
He said permits would have to be pulled. He said Leisure World would follow state and federal guidelines for what they can and cannot do.
He said the cost of the trapping would not be determined until they know exactly what they are doing. The contemplated pilot program would only be conducted on “trust” land controlled by the Foundation, which runs the retirement community. Essentially, the trapping would take place on common land.
According to Ankeny, Leisure World is sub-divided into 16 sub-corporations. The boards of those corporations, called “mutuals,” would each have to approve a coyote trapping program on their land.
Meanwhile, Ankeny said the Foundation has provided the community with information about coyote hazing.
According to Ankeny, the pilot trapping program is being considered in response to the loss of four or five pets in the past two weeks within the retirement community.
He said there were three confirmed dogs lost, one confirmed cat lost and one unconfirmed dog loss.
He said that during the past month Leisure World had more than 200 coyote sightings within the community.
By contrast, Long Beach Animal Care Services recorded 52 coyote incidents in Seal Beach from Jan. 1 through Aug. 7. Forty-three of those incidents were coyote sightings.
“Our data is based on what is actually reported to us. It is very likely that Leisure World may receive more sighting reports than we do,” said ACS Manager Ted Stevens. “Also, they probably receive multiple calls about the same coyote, so that could technically over inflate the numbers. But that would be speculation on my part as I have never received any information from them.”
Mayor Ellery Deaton said she did not know how Ankeny recorded coyote sightings in Leisure World.
“I’m sure sightings by agencies and residents will be a part of any decisions I make. I am hopeful our multi-city/agency meeting on September 10th at 7 p.m. at McGaugh School will be helpful in shedding light on how to move ahead. However, I cannot speak for my colleagues,” Deaton said.
Meanwhile, public concern about the coyote problem appears to be growing. Seal Beach resident Nate Kranda launched an online petition drive to get the City Council to begin trapping coyotes.
Kranda’s petition seeks 5,000 signatures.
As of Tuesday evening, Sept. 2, the drive had collected 151 signatures. Kranda advocates capturing and sterilizing the coyotes or euthanizing the sick and dangerous animals.
California prohibits the relocation of coyotes.
