Feeding wild mammalian predators like coyotes is strictly illegal, and a Los Angeles resident now faces potential criminal charges after allegedly doing so for months before a coyote attack injured a toddler.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the resident of the Atwater Village neighborhood in LA was referred to the city attorney’s office and faces prosecution following an investigation into the illegal feeding.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reported that on January 16, a 16-month-old baby was bitten and injured by a coyote on the 3300 block of Glendhurst Avenue in Atwater Village. Authorities launched a search and subsequently captured and euthanized the animal responsible for the attack.
Neighborhood Danger Caused by Illegal Feeding
Local residents stated that the entire neighborhood was placed in danger after an individual began feeding coyotes back in January. Having lost their natural fear of humans, the coyotes wandered deep into residential areas. Residents faced severe inconveniences, including shouting to chase the animals away and halting pet walks out of fear of attacks.
Under current laws, feeding wild mammalian predators is illegal. The Los Angeles Department of Animal Control initially investigated the resident’s home in May after receiving related complaints, but was unable to take action at the time due to the suspect’s denials and a lack of sufficient evidence. However, following the recent toddler attack, additional circumstances and evidence were secured, leading to the case being forwarded to the prosecutor’s office.
Wildlife Experts Warn Against Feeding Animals
Experts warn that feeding wild animals in residential areas or parks causes them to lose their fear of humans, ultimately leading them to view people and pets as potential targets for attacks.
