

Enhance Community Safety: Addressing Coyote Encounters Responsibly


Enhance Community Safety: Addressing Coyote Encounters Responsibly
The Issue
Coyotes in communities bordering Wildcat Canyon and other undeveloped areas are no longer just a nighttime concern. They are now roaming in broad daylight, jumping fences, and attacking pets—posing an imminent threat to children and residents. This escalating danger demands immediate action from our local government before a tragedy occurs.
Why This Matters:
✅ Coyotes have attacked and killed numerous pets in our neighborhood.
✅ They are entering yards, jumping fences, and hunting in daylight, showing no fear of humans.
✅ In December 2024, a coyote jumped a neighbor’s fence in East Richmond Heights (Kensington x Cypress) in broad daylight—just days later, it happened again.
✅ New residents are not warned about the danger, leading to their pets becoming the first victims.
✅ This is no longer a wildlife issue—it’s a public safety crisis.
✅ Without intervention, it’s only a matter of time before a toddler or resident is harmed.
What this petition is calling for:
We call on Supervisor John Gioia and Contra Costa County Leadership, as well as the Contra Costa Fish and Wildlife Committee (FWC) to take the following immediate steps:
1️⃣ Ask elected officials to consider a Trap-Neuter-Return program, much the same that feral cats have to control the population.
2️⃣ Enforce Feeding and Attraction Laws – Crack down on residents illegally feeding wildlife, which encourages aggressive behavior.
3️⃣ Expand Coyote Prevention Measures – Install deterrents, educate the public on safety.
4️⃣ Post Warning Signs for New Residents – Clearly mark high-risk areas and inform new homeowners and renters that outdoor pets are in danger.
5️⃣ Encourage Fence Reinforcement – Have the county fix public access fences bordering residential areas which have fallen into disrepair and advise residents to secure fences at least 6 feet high with coyote rollers or extensions to prevent jumping and close off gaps that allow access.
Real-Life Attacks on Children:
Coyotes have already attacked toddlers in communities across the U.S.:
📍 Woodland Hills, CA (December 2022): A 2-year-old girl was attacked and dragged by a coyote in front of her home. The incident was captured on security footage. (KTLA - https://ktla.com/news/local-news/coyote-attacks-toddler-in-woodland-hills/)
📍 Colorado Springs, CO (November 2024): A 4-year-old girl was seriously injured after mistaking a coyote for a dog. It attacked her, causing head injuries. (AP News - https://apnews.com/article/coyote-attack-colorado-springs-girl-injured-5b8538a368ec9efd185f174f2e803a60)
📍 Renton, WA (December 2024): A 5-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote on New Year's Eve and required hospital treatment. (Seattle’s Child - https://www.seattleschild.com/renton-child-attacked-by-coyote/)
Sign Now to Demand Immediate Action!
Every signature brings us closer to forcing local and county officials to act before it’s too late. The time to act is NOW—protect our families, pets, and neighborhood. Sign today!
69
The Issue
Coyotes in communities bordering Wildcat Canyon and other undeveloped areas are no longer just a nighttime concern. They are now roaming in broad daylight, jumping fences, and attacking pets—posing an imminent threat to children and residents. This escalating danger demands immediate action from our local government before a tragedy occurs.
Why This Matters:
✅ Coyotes have attacked and killed numerous pets in our neighborhood.
✅ They are entering yards, jumping fences, and hunting in daylight, showing no fear of humans.
✅ In December 2024, a coyote jumped a neighbor’s fence in East Richmond Heights (Kensington x Cypress) in broad daylight—just days later, it happened again.
✅ New residents are not warned about the danger, leading to their pets becoming the first victims.
✅ This is no longer a wildlife issue—it’s a public safety crisis.
✅ Without intervention, it’s only a matter of time before a toddler or resident is harmed.
What this petition is calling for:
We call on Supervisor John Gioia and Contra Costa County Leadership, as well as the Contra Costa Fish and Wildlife Committee (FWC) to take the following immediate steps:
1️⃣ Ask elected officials to consider a Trap-Neuter-Return program, much the same that feral cats have to control the population.
2️⃣ Enforce Feeding and Attraction Laws – Crack down on residents illegally feeding wildlife, which encourages aggressive behavior.
3️⃣ Expand Coyote Prevention Measures – Install deterrents, educate the public on safety.
4️⃣ Post Warning Signs for New Residents – Clearly mark high-risk areas and inform new homeowners and renters that outdoor pets are in danger.
5️⃣ Encourage Fence Reinforcement – Have the county fix public access fences bordering residential areas which have fallen into disrepair and advise residents to secure fences at least 6 feet high with coyote rollers or extensions to prevent jumping and close off gaps that allow access.
Real-Life Attacks on Children:
Coyotes have already attacked toddlers in communities across the U.S.:
📍 Woodland Hills, CA (December 2022): A 2-year-old girl was attacked and dragged by a coyote in front of her home. The incident was captured on security footage. (KTLA - https://ktla.com/news/local-news/coyote-attacks-toddler-in-woodland-hills/)
📍 Colorado Springs, CO (November 2024): A 4-year-old girl was seriously injured after mistaking a coyote for a dog. It attacked her, causing head injuries. (AP News - https://apnews.com/article/coyote-attack-colorado-springs-girl-injured-5b8538a368ec9efd185f174f2e803a60)
📍 Renton, WA (December 2024): A 5-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote on New Year's Eve and required hospital treatment. (Seattle’s Child - https://www.seattleschild.com/renton-child-attacked-by-coyote/)
Sign Now to Demand Immediate Action!
Every signature brings us closer to forcing local and county officials to act before it’s too late. The time to act is NOW—protect our families, pets, and neighborhood. Sign today!
69
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on February 11, 2025