City of Torrance, protesters struggle with what to do with influx of coyotes

TORRANCE, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - Trappers are starting to hunt down coyotes in Torrance after more than 150 complaints and sightings were reported in neighborhoods since the beginning of the year.

Snares were set up in Madrona nature marsh to catch the animals with the plan to euthanize them.

About 60 reports of household pets being attacked is causing alarm in the city.

One resident says, "now we have to look over our shoulder when walking our dog, and we have to carry an air horn and a cane in case we see one. I saw one on my shed in the backyard and I came outside to see my dog barking at it."

But wildlife preservationists like Matthew Duncan says people need to learn how to coexist with coyotes since they were here first.

He staged a protest in front of the Madrona Marsh Tuesday to draw attention to what he says is an ineffective way to get rid of the problem. "They can catch all the coyotes they want. More will come to fill the vacuum. It's inhumane and ineffective."

He says people should take measures to get rid of standing food and water bowls for pets around the outside of homes and cover up trash.

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