Disaster and Crisis Management Plan
The VCS campus is located next to the wilderness, so we share land that is inhabited with small wild animals. Such animals should be respected and left alone.
Bobcat
Bobcats are usually no threat to people, choosing to flee when seen or approached. They will, however, be protective of their cubs and will fight back if cornered, sick or injured. Like any cat, their sharp claws and teeth can inflict serious injuries, and they are extremely fast and agile. Because of their quiet and secluded cat-like ways, bobcats are generally easy to persuade to leave.
Coyote
Coyotes will usually travel via use of horse trails, flood control channels, erosion gutters, streets and sidewalks - all of which exist on VCS property. They are capable of scaling of jumping fences upwards of 5 1/2 feet in height so one should not expect protection behind a normal neighborhood fence. Coyotes will be seen on VCS property when the campus is unpopulated as they search for food and water. When alone, their diet consists primarily of rodents, small mammals and insects. When hunting in a pack they will go for larger prey such as deer.
Raccoon
Raccoons are rarely active in the daytime. Raccoons are aggressive fighters if cornered, and pound for pound are one of the toughest animals around. Very few larger predators will take on a raccoon. Currently, California has no raccoon rabies, but the disease is slowly traveling west.
It is unlawful to feed any mammalian predator in the City of Los Angeles - including raccoons. Raccoons can act tame enough to be hand-fed. Do not be fooled. Remember that raccoons are wild animals that can bite. They also carry disease that can be transferred to humans.
Protection
It is best to always keep your distance from wild animals and avoid all direct contact. Do not attempt to pet them. Most wild animals are easily frightened by people. Wildlife such as raccoons, deer, coyotes and bobcats should be scared away at every opportunity. Only through these negative interactions do animals learn to avoid people. Animals that do not run may be sick, protecting young or conditioned to the presence of humans through feeding.
If confronted, wave your arms. Shout in a low, loud tone. Throw objects at the animal while maintaining eye contact. Make yourself look as big as possible to coyotes and bobcats; if you are wearing a jacket open it up like a cape. If possible go towards an active or populated area but do not turn your back on the animal and do not run away.
If you have small children with you, pick them up. First bring the child close to you, maintain eye contact with the animal, pull the child up without bending over. Groups of children or adults should band together.
This material was copied from the City of Los Angeles Department fo Animal Services Wildlife Division, www.laanimalservices.com.
|
|
