Long Beach lawmaker calls for change in coyote protocol

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A Long Beach city councilwoman is pushing for a study to evaluate the current protocol when dealing with coyotes.

The city of Long Beach is paying special attention to coyotes after increased sightings and recent attacks in neighboring cities.

Councilwoman Stacy Mungo is asking the City Council to approve a study evaluating the current protocol when dealing with coyotes.

"Do we need to start going out into the community, neighborhoods where coyotes are, and the golf courses and the parks and start hazing them where they are, instead of letting them come into our communities where people aren't feeling safe," Mungo said.

The current program only calls for trapping and killing coyotes under specific circumstances - like an attack on a human.

"Throwing beanbags at them, potentially increasing the use of bear spray on coyotes and things that cause them a little bit of pain is more effective," Mungo said.

The proposed policy has found a rare middle ground between concerned residents and animal rights activists. Both sides feel that focusing on non-lethal action is the right direction and want to see more education for the community.

"Closing pet food doors, picking up falling fruit, doing everything to eliminate any type of wildlife attractants," said Randi Feilich with Project Coyote.

According to a staff report, a study would cost about $2,500 to $5,000.