Living with Wildlife

San Dimas is nestled against the foothills, where a variety of wildlife—including coyotes, deer, bobcats, and mountain lions—live year-round. From time to time, these animals may venture into our neighborhoods. Most wildlife sightings are brief and harmless, but understanding how to respond helps keep both people and animals safe.

Coyotes

Coyotes are a permanent part of our urban landscape and play an important role in controlling rodent populations. The City maintains a dedicated Coyote Information page with details on our Coyote Management Plan, reporting tools, and safety tips.

When encountering a coyote:

• Active hazing includes raising arms and shouting, sounding off an air horn, throwing tennis balls, or spraying with a hose.
• Passive hazing includes setting out deterrents so the coyote feels uncomfortable even when you are not around, such as leaving a dirty sock near a den site, activating motion-sensing sprinklers, or installing coyote roller fencing.

Tracking sightings:

The University of California Cooperative Extension has developed the Coyote Cacher as a way track coyote interactions in California. The information you provide will be used to help inform researchers of trends in human-coyote interactions. If you wish to participate in this survey, please submit your coyote encounter. 

Bobcats

Bobcats are generally shy, solitary animals that avoid humans. They may occasionally be spotted in neighborhoods, especially where open space meets residential areas.

If you encounter a bobcat:

• Do not approach or attempt to feed it.
• Supervise pets outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Remove attractants such as uncovered trash or pet food left outside.
• Living with Bobcats - CDFW Information Sheet

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions (also known as cougars) are rarely seen, but they do inhabit the foothills. Here are some helpful resources and information on living with mountain lions:

• CDFW Public Safety - Living with Mountain Lions
• Human Wildlife Conflicts - Mountain Lions

Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS)

The Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA (IVHS) provides local response, education, and prevention tips for residents. Call IVHS for:

• Injured or sick wildlife.
• Wildlife trapped in yards, garages, or structures.
• Removal of deceased animals.

Resources:

• IVHS - Wildlife Brochure
• IVHS - Coyotes Brochure

IVHS emphasizes prevention: secure trash, bring pet food indoors, and supervise small pets outdoors to reduce wildlife conflicts.

Who to Contact 

For wildlife concerns, contact: 

Department of Fish and Wildlife South Coast Region 
(858) 467-4201

For injured, sick, or nuisance wildlife in neighborhoods, or to request assistance with trapped animals, contact:

Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA
(909) 623-9777

To report a non-emergency coyote sighting, contact: 

San Dimas Coyote Hotline
(909) 542-2501

For emergencies, contact 9-1-1.

Additional Resources

• CDFW – Living with Wildlife
• CDFW – Human–Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit
• CDFW – Coyotes
• CDFW – Bobcats
• SGVCOG – Neighborhood Coyote Program