COYOTES IN CALIFORNIA

The coyote is a member of the dog family and is native to California. It closely resembles a small German shepherd dog with the exception of the long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. The coyote's high-pitched, yodel-like yapping can frequently be heard at night. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and can survive on whatever food is available. Coyotes are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep the rodent populations under control. They hunt rabbits, mice, birds, and other small animals. Coyotes are by nature fearful of humans. If coyotes are given access to human food, pet food, or garbage, their behavior changes. They will quickly lose their natural fear of people and may become bold, even aggressive. Pets, especially small free-roaming animals, may be injured or killed by coyotes. Please be aware of risks associated with not supervising pets.

Up-to-date information on the City of Torrance Coyote Management Plan:

• Coyote Management Plan Update

Weekly Coyote Activity Report

• April 19, - April 25, 2026
• Weekly Coyote Activity Report Archive

Informational Coyote Articles

• It's Coyote Mating Season
• Holiday Coyote Safety Tips
• Tips to Prevent Coyote Conflict
• City of Torrance Hosts Regional Coyote Meeting
• Dangers of Feeding Coyotes
• Coyote Myths
• Coyote Encounters With Dogs
• See a Pregnant Coyote? 
• Coyote Den Prevention
•  Who Should You Call in the Event of a Coyote Encounter?
•  Why are Coyotes in Torrance?
•  Coyote or Dog?
•  Hear Coyotes Lately?
•  Coyote Management Resources for Residents
•  Encounters with Coyote Pups
•  The Risks of Outdoor Pets
•  The Coyote Family Structure
•  Do's & Don'ts of Hazing
•  Coyote Pupping Season
•  Coyote Mating Season
• Coyote Prevention Checklist
• Dangers of Feeding Coyotes

At-Home Coyote Prevention Checklist

Print out the At-Home Coyote Prevention Checklist and walk through your home's exterior. Check off items to reduce or eliminate features that can attract coyotes to your yard.

REPORT SIGHTINGS, THREATS, AND ATTACKS IMMEDIATELY

To report coyote activity in Torrance please call the 24-hour Coyote Hotline at (310) 618-3898 or use the Coyote Portal to submit a report online. If you see a coyote attacking a person immediately call 911. For questions involving the Coyote Management program you can email POrenstein@TorranceCA.Gov or call (310) 618-2945.

Please press the 'Report Coyote Sightings' picture above to be directed to the coyote reporting portal.

Prefer by mobile device? Download the MyTorranceCA app.

To report a sick, injured, or deceased animal, contact the Torrance Animal Control at (310) 618-3850. The Torrance Animal Control Office is open Monday through Thursday, and every other Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.