Authorities Warn Residents After Cyclists Charged, Incidents Continue Over Three-Week Period
Coyote activity continues to raise safety concerns in Santa Monica, with multiple incidents reported over the past three weeks involving aggressive behavior and unlawful feeding, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
Between July 20 and July 26, Animal Control officers set a trap at a home on the 2400 block of 7th Street after reports that a coyote frequently visited the property. On July 27, residents on the 400 block of San Vicente Boulevard said coyotes charged cyclists and showed little fear of people, prompting neighbors to escort one another for safety.
During inspections in the same area, officers learned that a resident had been leaving food out for coyotes. They later witnessed a coyote lunge at a cyclist and observed three coyotes gathering around a tree where pet food had been placed. On July 30, officers identified the individual responsible and issued a warning, reminding the public that feeding wildlife is illegal and contributes to aggressive behavior.
Reports of aggressive coyotes persisted on San Vicente Boulevard from July 27 through August 8, with Animal Control conducting regular checks to haze and attempt to capture the animals.
In a separate incident, a coyote was fatally struck by a vehicle on the eastbound 10 Freeway near the Centinela Avenue exit during the week of August 3–8, according to Animal Control.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid feeding wildlife and to report sightings, stressing that human interaction can heighten risks and lead to more dangerous encounters.
