Coyote sightings are nothing new in Simi Valley, but when residents begin seeing them more often near homes—or hear reports of pets being taken—it can understandably raise concern.

Coyotes are highly adaptable and regularly move through neighborhoods in search of food, water, shelter, and prey.

The goal is not to eliminate them, but to make our homes and neighborhoods less attractive to them while protecting pets and helping coyotes maintain a healthy fear of people.

Start With Your Pets

The City of Simi Valley recommends keeping small pets indoors, especially at night, supervising pets when they are outside, and walking dogs on a leash no longer than six feet. 

That is especially important for cats and small dogs. Even a fenced yard should not be treated as completely coyote-proof.

If you let a dog out after dark, stay outside with them and keep the area well lit.

Remove the Invitation

Many coyote visits begin because something around the property is attracting them—or attracting the smaller animals they prey on.

The City recommends:

• Secure trash containers
• Do not leave pet food or water outside
• Pick up fallen fruit
• Clean spilled seed beneath bird feeders
• Trim thick brush and shrubs
• Remove potential hiding or denning areas around decks, sheds, and woodpiles
• Consider motion-activated lighting

Ventura County’s coyote management plan also recommends cleaning up food around barbecue grills and keeping outdoor pet food securely stored indoors. 

What Should You Do If You Encounter One?

If a coyote approaches or lingers near your home, do not run.

Instead:

✓ Keep children and pets close

✓ Face the coyote

✓ Make yourself look large

✓ Yell, clap, blow a whistle, or use another noisemaker

✓ Give the animal a clear path to leave

If necessary, the City recommends throwing small objects such as sticks or rocks near the coyote to encourage it to move away—not trying to injure the animal. 

This type of response is often called hazing. The idea is to reinforce that being close to people is uncomfortable and undesirable.

If a coyote makes physical contact with a person, fight back and call 911.

When Should You Report a Coyote?

Not every sighting needs to be reported. Seeing a coyote moving through an open area or neighborhood does not necessarily mean it is behaving abnormally.

But residents should report concerning incidents, especially aggressive behavior, repeated conflicts, injured animals, or incidents involving pets.

Ventura County Animal Services handles animal services for Simi Valley and can be reached at:

805-388-4341 Simi Valley

City of Simi Valley Coyote Information

Ventura County Coyote Management Plan

A Neighborhood Effort Works Best

One home can remove its pet food and secure its trash, but if nearby properties continue providing easy food sources, coyotes may keep returning.

Ventura County specifically encourages neighbors to work together to reduce attractants because coyote management is most effective when the entire neighborhood participates. Ventura County Animal Services

Coyotes are part of living alongside wildlife in Southern California. With some basic precautions—particularly around small pets—we can reduce unnecessary conflicts while allowing wildlife to remain wild.

Tip: If you have a cat that spends time outdoors or a small dog that uses the yard alone, this is a good week to reconsider that routine. Supervision is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk.