myfatcat

I ride dump truck hill through Griffith Park several times a week, usually early in the morning, often as the sun is coming up. The last few weeks there's been a large coyote near the gates where dump truck hill meets the road from Travel Town. I've seen him there 4 - 5 times now, usually around the trash can by the gate.

At first he kept his distance. The last time he trotted close to me, 5-8 feet away. Today, he looked like he was going to come right at me as I was riding up the hill. He didn't growl or look menacing, but he was definitely headed straight for me. When he was a few feet away, I yelled as loud as I could. He turned away and I hit the gas and pedaled up the hill faster than I have before (good for my time at least!).

I feel like I need to carry something to protect myself, just in case he gets more aggressive. I'm not thrilled with the idea of carrying pepper spray or an air horn with me but I feel like I should do something.

Anyone else have experience with coyotes in the park? Any thoughts on what to carry to scare him off?

I once saw a bobcat up there, but he was more scared of me than I was him. He took off pretty fast.

CommuteCommando

Believe it or not, (I have actually seen this) there are some morons who actually feed coyotes. Think they're cute. He may have been hoping you were such an idiot. Coyotes don't start making me nervous unlit there are three or more of them.

zzzwillzzz

he was mad that you called it 'dump truck hill', everyone knows it's proper name is Trash Truck Hill.

i wouldn't worry about it, if you are, ride with someone slower

social suicide

If that coyote gives you any trouble, let me know and I'll sic the wolves and cougars I see on my ride on him! Unless you are garbage, a mouse, or an hours old fawn you have nothing to fear. Unless the coyote is rabid.

blarnie

The coyotes are not going to attack you. The one alleged attack in the park was reported by a transient who was sleeping in the park and awoke when the coyote was sniffing him. Probably smelled like a trash can.

I repeat, the coyotes won't hurt you. The mountain lion that lives in the park will. So if you ride Mt. Hollywood after dark, don't smell like meat.

prathmann

Agreed, the only time I'd worry would be if it showed signs of rabies. Here we even have road signs for them:

TrojanHorse

Epic advice!

I was riding on SGRT one morning at dawn and there were 4 coyotes sitting smack on the trail... I thought they were dogs till I got closer but I just rode right by them and they didn't budge. I saw about 20 rabbits that morning also, so i know what they were looking for and it wasn't me.

The appropriate reaction is supposed to be to yell and screech at the coyote, not to feed them. They will probably leave you alone. I get them at my house all the time, haven't had any issues yet.

CommuteCommando

You're not from around here are you? They help keep the rabbit population in check.

CommuteCommando

We do get concerned about our cats and try to keep them in after dark. Rabbits are their usual diet, but the have been known to snack on Chihuahua's and occasionally eat some p****

TrojanHorse

Maybe that's why the coyotes let me go...

My cat (90% chicken, I think) stays inside... the dog (only 80% chicken) hides in her crate when she's scared.

myfatcat

These responses crack me up. Thanks for the feedback.

I don't smell like meat (I think). Maybe cat from two power-shedding furballs.

MoreBlackSwan

I saw that same coyote last week when I was descending Trash Truck hill. He didn't seem to fear humans at all...looks me straight in the eyes as he crossed the road.

Mr. Beanz

I see coyotes on GMR all the time. Never had a problem but I carry a 45 just in case.

alicestrong

Well I've read that they're quite indiscriminate in their eating habits, kind of like dogs and will munch on fruit or vegetables if they can find them...especially bananas, cucumbers, carrots, pickles, zucchini. Also apparently they love sausage and hot dogs... I wonder if they'd eat a snake or a rooster?

Shimagnolo

Oh?
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_904990.html

This was not an isolated incident. It happens often enough that the local PD puts up warning signs in areas frequented by coyotes.

jmX

I've seen the (or a) coyote there as well before as I ride up there after work once a week or so. I'd probably get nervous if it was 5 feet from me, but in general I worry more about the mountain lion (which is to say, I don't worry much at all).

What is more dangerous is all the loose gravel and plant material on the descent!

rooftest

I'm surprised that LA hasn't wiped out all the coyotes up there - I've read plenty of (really funny) articles about LA residents "terrorized, or trapped in their car for hours" by rogue beasts.

MoreBlackSwan

From the article:
"A 2-year-old Broomfield, Colo. toddler was attacked by a coyote Monday night and later asked his father, “Was that the Easter bunny?” according to 7News."

lol

eja_ bottecchia

Overkill? Coyotes only go after small prey or people trying to cross the border illegally. Never known a coyote to go after a clyde.

Mr. Beanz

.................maybe I'll look into a sling shot.

eja_ bottecchia

It worked for David...

social suicide

Where I come from we worry about the rabbits!

Focused1

After the fire in Griffith Park I was nearing he start of Reverse Trash Truck when I saw two eyeing me from a distance. Eyed them back and went on my way. A few feet later I felt a bump as if I ridden over a branch. Turned to see what it was and one of those f*****s was about four feet from me. I yelled and predictably, he took off. Did he actually bump my bike? I'll never know. But for awhile after the fire I think they were pretty desperately hungry

Wulf

Down in Laguna Woods (leisure World) the coyotes have been feesting on chihuahuas, toy poodles and other rat dogs. Sometimes even dine and dash, knocking old people to the ground while grabbing their pets.

rumrunn6

you allowed to carry a bb/dart/pellet type pistol for protection?