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Orange County City Hires Trapper to 'Track and Shoot' Coyotes, 9 Already Killed
Photo by _organdonor_ via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
Photo by _organdonor_ via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
Since June 15th, nine coyotes have been killed by a city-hired trapper in Yorba Linda, and 9 others were killed last year when a trapper was hired. This is how the Orange County city is handling their coyote problem, which has increased since the Freeway Complex Fire burned through the animals' homes, as they work on a comprehensive coyote management plan, according to the Orange County Register.
The move, however, is not without some controversy. "Those animals are more interested in staying away from us," said longtime resident Valerie Dilardi. "Yeah, they will go after our dogs or our cats, but who do we have to blame for that but ourselves?"
But other residents are happy about the trapper. "A lot of people are saying 'We have to educate people,'" said Jim Wohlt, who apparently saw a coyote lunge at his grandchildren. "When the coyote was attacking my grandkids, I could hold up all the leaflets in the world and say, 'I am educated on your behavior,' and it wouldn't have made a difference."
Coyotes have reportedly been more aggressive lately, walking around neighborhoods during the daytime, and entering homes and garages and attacking pets or small children. Officials know that killing won't solve the problem, but hope the next generation will not be so bold.
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