California has a large population of Black Bears (Ursus americanus). Their typical diet consists of berries, plants, nuts, roots, honeycombs, bees, insects, fish, small mammals and carrion. Unfortunately, bears can become accustomed to people and can be responsible for property damage.
To help prevent damage:
- Do not put out trash cans the night before pick up.
- Store garbage cans in a garage or closed shed.
- Keep garbage cans clean. Deodorize and disinfect them with bleach or ammonia.
- Promptly collect fruit that falls from trees. Harvest fruit as soon as it's ripe.
- Remove plants that attract bears, such as berries and Dogwood.
- Eliminate bird feeders during spring and summer when there are natural foods available for birds.
- Eliminate compost piles.
- Keep barbeque grills clean and free of drippings.
- Consider purchasing bear spray and keep it next to your front and/or back door.
- Do not leave pet food outside, including cat food, bird seeds, etc.)
If you encounter predators:
- Never hike alone and always stay on trails.
- Keep children close to you.
- Do not approach the animal.
- Do not run from the animal.
- Always stand tall, make eye contact and pick up children without turning your back to the animal.
- Make yourself appear bigger. Raise your arms, throw stones, branches, make noise, wave your arms slowly and speak loud.
For more information about wildlife safety, please contact Pasadena Humane at 626-792-7151. Click on this Bear Safety PDF for more information on the topic.
Glendale residents and other cities in California are experiencing regular sightings of coyotes and other wildlife in our local neighborhoods. As food and water become scarce due to the drought, Glendale’s local wildlife has become more active in search of these necessities.
The coyote (Canis latrans) is an extremely intelligent predator that has adapted to living in close proximity to humans. Coyotes, whose natural habitat is the Los Angeles basin, have adjusted to the shrinking habitat by living closer to humans, sometimes in residential areas, parks, and on the landscaped areas of the freeway system. Coyotes use the flood control channels, freeways, hillside erosion gutters, city streets, and sidewalks as convenient means of travel. They find an abundant source of water from swimming pools, gutters, leaking hose faucets, sprinkler heads, bird baths and pet water dishes in residential areas.
The coyote plays an important role in the ecosystem, helping to keep rodent populations under control. They are by nature fearful of humans.
If coyotes are given access to human food and garbage, their behavior changes. They lose caution and fear, and may even cause property damage. There are more coyotes living in southern California than ever before.
Tips for Managing Coyote & Wildlife Problems
- If a coyote is encountered, scare it away by yelling, stomping your feet and waving your arms, and/or throwing rocks or other objects towards (but not at) the coyote . It is important to maintain a coyote’s natural fear of humans.
- Don’t leave small children unattended where coyotes frequent.
- Never feed coyotes or provide them with water.
- Don’t give coyotes access to garbage. Keep trash lids on tight and don’t put trash cans out until the morning of pick-up so coyotes and other wildlife will have less time to scavenge and won’t have the cover of darkness. Wildlife are most active in the spring and summer, and especially at night or twilight.
- Prevent access to fruit and compost. Pick up fallen fruit and keep compost piles securely covered. Cover new compost with soil or lime to prevent it from smelling and never include animal matter.
- If possible, feed dogs and cats indoors. Don’t feed feral (wild) cats. Coyotes prey on them along with any food you leave out for them.
- Prevent the buildup of food under bird feeders.
- Keep cats and small to medium-size dogs indoors, especially from dusk to dawn. If you suspect losing a pet to a coyote or other animal, notify your neighbors. Once it finds easy prey, it will continue to hunt in the area.
- Prune shrubs and trees several feet above the ground; clear brush and weeds to deprive rodents of shelter and reduce protective cover for wildlife.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house
WARNING: Feeding coyotes is dangerous to our community and prohibited by law 6.04.140 GMC
Report a Coyote Sighting
The City of Glendale’s interactive “Animal Sightings” map makes it easy to report a coyote sighting or check if wildlife was spotted in your area. If you see coyotes or other wildlife, report the sighting at wildlifemap.glendaleca.gov
Useful links and information
Please dial 9-1-1 to report an aggressive coyote or animal related emergency. You can reach the Glendale Police Department via its non-emergency line at 818-548-4911. For more information about wildlife safety, please contact Pasadena Humane at 626-792-7151.
More than half of California is mountain lion habitat. Mountain lions prefer deer, but if allowed, they prey upon pets and livestock. If you see a mountain lion, report it on the wildlife sightings map.
Living in Mountain Lion Country
- Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
- Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage from DFG offices.
- Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
- Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats, and other vulnerable animals.
- Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country
Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people. Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare.
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
- Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Keep a close watch on small children.
- Do not approach a mountain lion.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
- If attacked, fight back.
The following safety tips are provided by the Department of Fish & Wildlife. For additional resources, visit the website for Pasadena Humane. The non-emergency line for the Glendale Police Department is 818-548-4911.
