Pasadena Humane to Host Webinar on Living With Coyotes

Pasadena Humane is inviting the public to join in an online presentation Wednesday outlining ways to live with coyotes sharing neighborhoods with people.

The family-friendly coyote safety webinar is scheduled for noon, according to the organization.

“Our expert wildlife manager will share information about the urban coyote and demonstrate humane hazing techniques,” Pasadena Humane said in a written statement.

“The main thing is: What to do if you see a coyote, how to haze them, the natural history of the coyotes… talking about natural resources, carrying capacity, things like that,” said Pasadena Humane Wildlife Manager Lauren Hamlet.

“A main thing I try to talk to people about is that coyotes aren’t coming down from the hills. They live here, they’re born here and they’re really adapted to our neighborhoods, she said.

Coyote’s rarely bite humans, she added. When it occurs, it’s usually the result of a pet owner trying to intervene in an attack on their animal.

“Anything with a mouth can bite,” Hamlet said. “I’ve been bitten by more squirrels than anything, I think, in my line of work.”

The conversation will also delve into the habits of coyotes, such as monogamous mating pairs and strict pack hierarchy, she added.

The webinar may also prove useful for people wanting to know about other local wildlife, such as bears and bobcats, which can be hazed in much the same way, she said.

“And that is, more often than not, the result of rodenticide poisoning,” Hamlet explained. “The bobcats will eat a rodent that’s been poisoned.”

While Hamlet said she hasn’t noticed an uptick in bear activity as of late, animal care officials have been dealing with more sick bobcats than ever.

Those interested can register for Wednesday’s webinar at register.gotowebinar.com/register/5676500766705744655.