To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
title
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE CITY’S COYOTE MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE PLAN
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2505-030, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE COYOTE MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE PLAN AND MAKING A DETERMINATION FOR EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA
PURSUANT TO THE PLAN, DIRECT STAFF TO PROCURE ON-CALL (AS NEEDED) TRAPPING SERVICES
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In recent years, the City of Redondo Beach, and neighboring communities, have experienced a noticeable rise in coyote activity and related incidents. While the root cause remains unclear, potential contributing factors may include increased coyote populations, territorial expansions, habitat displacement due to urban development, or a combination of these, and other, elements.
Areas within, and adjacent to, the City, such as the Edison right of way, plant nurseries, Wilderness Park, freeway embankments, and other dense landscapes, offer safe migration corridors for coyotes and environments for hunting, den-building, and reproduction. Additionally, drought conditions are believed to have reduced natural food sources, driving coyotes into residential neighborhoods in search of food and water.
In response to this activity, a Coyote Management and Response Plan (CMRP) has been prepared establishing a standardized, proactive, and repeatable strategy for the City and its residents to coexist with urban coyotes while prioritizing public safety. Prior to drafting the plan, the Mayor and City staff researched how neighboring communities have addressed similar challenges, reviewed the Coyote Guidelines from the Humane Society of the United States, and studied coyote ecology to create a tailored management strategy for the City of Redondo Beach. Preparation of the CMRP also included a review by the City’s environmental consultant, who concluded that the plan, as drafted, meets CEQA exemption criteria.
BACKGROUND
Coyotes are a highly adaptable species that has thrived in Southern California, including the South Bay region. Their presence in residential areas has increased due to urban expansion, leading to more frequent sightings in residential areas. While coyotes play a vital role in controlling rodent populations, their interactions with humans have raised concerns about pet safety and other potential conflicts.
In recent years, coyote populations have expanded their range into urban environments, taking advantage of food sources like trash, pet food, and small animals. Reports of coyotes approaching humans, or attacking pets, have led to enhanced efforts to manage coyotes and increase public education. Many Southern California cities have implemented Coyote Management Plans, focusing on public awareness, deterrence techniques, and habitat modification.
In the South Bay, cities like Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, and Torrance have developed response plans to address coyote activity. Currently, the City of Redondo Beach offers guidance on how residents can safely coexist with coyotes and report incidents through the City website. To further provide residents with the information and resources to understand and address coyote-related concerns, City staff have prepared a Coyote Management and Response Plan (CMRP) for Council consideration.
The City of Redondo Beach’s CMRP provides a structured, proactive approach to coexisting with urban coyotes while prioritizing public safety. It focuses on community education, monitoring coyote activity, reducing attractants, discouraging human-coyote interactions, and minimizing risks to people and pets. The plan ensures standardized responses to incidents, enforces relevant laws, and aligns with best practices and research while complementing existing federal, state, and county regulations.
The CMRP aims to balance wildlife preservation with public safety through four key approaches:
1. Ensuring safe community spaces
2. Enhancing deterrence efforts
3. Fostering public education
4. Actively monitoring coyote activity
Guided by principles that prioritize human safety, acknowledge coyotes’ ecological role, and promote preventive practices, the CMRP aims to mitigate conflicts and incidents by addressing both coyote and human behaviors.
On April 2, 2025, the City Council approved an agreement with Michael Baker International (MBI) to provide environmental consulting services for the CMRP. After its review, MBI provided supporting documentation for an Exemption under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines (14 [California Code of Regulations] CCR §§15000 et seq). Attached to the report is MBI’s memorandum, which concludes that the proposed policy meets all exemption criteria set forth in CEQA.
Accordingly, the adoption of the CMRP is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines (14 [California Code of Regulations] CCR §§15000 et seq.), with no further environmental review required.
In accordance with the CMRP, Redondo Beach Animal Services will consult with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) when trapping is deemed necessary. CDFW will lead any required investigation, and the City may also engage a certified trapper. Staff estimates the average cost of trapping a coyote to be approximately $1,500 per animal.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC 2505-030 to formally enact the CMRP and affirm its exemption from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15061 (b)(3) and 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines (14 [California Code of Regulations] CCR §§15000 et seq) and direct staff to procure on-call trapping services that comply with the conditions that would necessitate trapping under the CMRP.
COORDINATION
The CMRP was prepared by the Mayor and City Manager’s Office in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office, the Police Department, and Redondo Beach Animal Services. The agenda item was prepared by the City Manager’s Office in coordination with the Community Development Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the approval of the CMRP. Funding for the activities included in the plan is available in the responsible Departments’ annual operating budgets. The cost of trapping a Coyote is estimated to be $1,500 per occurrence. Under the CMRP’s tiered response framework, there has yet to be a known coyote threat in the City that would generate the need for trapping services. However, if a situation were to arise requiring that response, funding for the service would be available in the Police Departments regular contract and professional services budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Reso - No. CC 2505-030 Adopting the Coyote Management and Response Plan and Making a Determination of Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act
• Coyote Management and Response Plan
• CEQA Exemption Memorandum
• Presentation