Coyotes in Mar Vista: A Growing Concern

Coyotes have always been a part of Los Angeles’ urban wildlife landscape. However, in Mar Vista, the situation has escalated. Once shy and nocturnal creatures, they have become disturbingly present in broad daylight. Coyotes have been spotted casually strolling through the neighborhood and stalking pets. Some report seeing them even lunge at children. The neighborhood is on edge. And the city’s response? Residents say it’s not enough.

From Rare Sightings to Daily Encounters

In early 2024, Mar Vista residents began reporting an alarming uptick in coyote activity. Unlike previous years, these coyotes don’t flee when confronted. The typical behavior of avoiding humans just doesn’t happen anymore. Some coyotes will brazenly stalk or attack pets. Residents will find pet carcasses left behind on lawns. There’s even a report of a coyote charging at a child playing soccer in a yard.

Why are Mar Vista Coyotes So Aggressive Now?

A few factors help explain the spike in aggression. First, it’s what is known as “pupping season”. From early spring to summer is when coyotes give birth and teach the new pups to hunt. During this timeframe the parent coyotes will become much more territorial and aggressive. If the coyotes see other animals near their den territory, then the coyotes will try to deter the threat. This explains some of their bold behavior. They’re protecting their young while teaching them to hunt.
 
The other issue is urban adaptation. Coyotes have learned to thrive in cities. Simply put, cities offer convenient access to food and shelter. It’s easy for them to feed on rodents, pet food, and unsecured trash. The real trouble is that living in cities has desensitized coyotes to the presence of humans and their deterrents. If they learn that humans are not a threat or will back down easily, then coyotes see no reason to fear or avoid them.

Daily Life with Mar Vista Coyotes

For many Mar Vista residents, the impact has been profound. Some parents are afraid to let their kids play outside. Dog owners will carry airhorns or jars of change to shake. Some county officials even recommended carrying paintball guns to use as a deterrent. In Culver City, squirt guns are a recommended method. While most of the year Mar Vista is a peaceful neighborhood, walking can be a tense outing during pupping season.
 
The emotional toll is real. Simple pleasures like gardening, walking the dog, or relaxing in the yard now come with fear. Some residents describe feeling powerless, frustrated, and abandoned by local officials.

The City’s Response

The official stance from the City of Los Angeles emphasizes coexistence. Residents are urged to:

• Clear brush and trim plants
• Supervise children and pets
• Avoid leaving food outside
• Scare coyotes with loud noises or aggressive body language
• Don’t let your bigger dogs play or leave with coyotes

However, concerned citizens say these tactics don’t work anymore. Coyotes have become too comfortable and confident. One wildlife inspector found a den in a residential yard, only to declare it a city issue.

…The dog barked back, and the resident ran away, convinced they were about to be attacked. The person called Weights and Measures to ask for help, and in early April an inspector found a mother coyote and four to five pups living in a nearby den.
 
The mother coyote was likely taking her pups out to hunt when the reported encounter occurred, Regis said. But because the den is within Los Angeles city limits, it’s up to the city rather than the county to determine what to do next, according to Regis.
 
Los Angeles Animal Services coordinates with various agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to deal with wild animals in the city limits. The city says the state agency manages the coyote population, but a spokesperson for Fish and Wildlife said it does not manage coyotes but provides information to local jurisdictions and the public on living with coyotes.
 
“Wildlife officers will respond to attacks,” the Fish and Wildlife spokesperson said, “but it is up to local agencies to deal with coyotes in their communities.”

When asked about the above concerns, the L.A. Animal Services gave a statement to the Los Angeles Times. It said that Animal Services hosted an online community meeting with the office of City Councilmember Traci Park as well as Fish and Wildlife to educate residents about “deterrents and property maintenance.” At the time of writing this, the webinar has one like and one comment thanking them for the information. You can watch it below:
 

 
It doesn’t resolve how to handle dens or which department is responsible.

Legal Limits and Lingering Frustration

By law, relocating coyotes is prohibited. Also, Los Angeles residents are not allowed to trap Coyotes. That leaves two options: coexistence or euthanasia. Technically, hunting coyotes is legal in California. However, discharging firearms or using other weapons in urban settings is often not. So, the city has stuck with coexistence even as residents grow more anxious and angry.
 
Some are turning to private security cameras, reinforced fencing, and “coyote-proof” vests for their pets. Another option for residents is turning to private pest control businesses like Humane Wildlife Control. But, none of these offer true peace of mind since they are not permanent solutions.

Will Things Get Better?

Experts suggest that activity may decline in the fall, once pupping season ends. But, the broader issue of urban coyote adaptation is here to stay. At least Mar Vista isn’t alone. Similar reports are surfacing across West LA, from Playa Vista to Culver City and beyond. Without a new policy in Los Angeles, this may become the new normal.

Final Thoughts: A Call for Action, Not Just Awareness

Residents aren’t asking for miracles. They’re asking for meaningful action. They want better humane deterrents and real plans for managing the growing urban wildlife populations. They also want to know who in the government handles relocating coyote dens.
 
Until real solutions arrive, the people of Mar Vista remain on high alert. Pupping season means watching the streets, watching their pets, and wondering what it will take for the city to take this concern seriously before it becomes a crisis.
 
If you’re interested in selling a home in the Mar Vista neighborhood, please contact me. You can schedule an appointment below or email me directly.