HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1998 0902 CC REG ITEM 11DI83.ac7
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CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA
City Councii Meeting
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ACTION:
City of Moorpark _ ro u ed
Community Services Departmen Y:_
AGENDA REPORT
TO: The Honorable City Council �y
FROM: John Brand, Senior Management Analyst
DATE: August 20, 1998 (CC Meeting of September 2, 1998
SUBJECT: Consider Wild Animal Service Response
BACKGROUND
The City recently experienced a reported sighting of a bobcat in the Mountain Meadows area. The
purpose of this report is to outline, for future understanding, the policy for responding to reported
sightings of wild animals.
Responding to threats from wild animals, such as mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and bears, is the
domain of the California Department of Fish and Game. The County Animal Regulation Department
oversees domestic pets and farm animals. Whenever the City is informed of a wild animal sighting,
staff reports the sighting to the Department of Fish & Game. Fish and Game's policy is to note the
sighting, provide appropriate advice, but they will not send an officer out to the location unless the
animal is sick or injured, or posses a direct threat to humans. The Department of Fish & Game may
respond to a bear stranded on a telephone pole in the backyard, but not to a bobcat climbing over a
fence of the same yard. Similarly, no response may occur by either Fish & Game or Animal
Regulation when, for example, a coyote is seen in a backyard or walking down a neighborhood street.
The reasoning is that the animal would be gone by the time the responding agency arrived on the
scene, and there is nothing that can be done to prevent animals from behaving according to their
nature. However, Fish and Game staff will instruct individuals to ensure that children and pets remain
indoors and remind an individual not to attempt to approach the animal in any way. This policy is
contrary to what the public often expects, but given the number of sightings reported to Fish and
Game, and their limited resources, it is not feasible to respond unless there is a definite threat.
On an ongoing basis, Fish and Game attempts to educate the public on how to avoid direct contact
with wild animals and encourages people to learn to live with, and respect them. Wildlife is a natural
part of the rural environment in Ventura County, even in the City of Moorpark. There are many
things a resident can do to protect themselves, their children, and pets from potentially dangerous
encounters with wildlife. Wildlife experts advise parents to teach their children not to approach
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strange animals, and to avoid making their homes l fed indoors, and wildlife. Wild kept on a leash when
approach houses looking for food and water. Pets should be
taken on walks. Trash cans should be tightly covered. Brush should be cleared away to avoid
creating cover for prey animals. Staff has on file some information on living with wildlife and has a
variety of referrals in order to respond to inquiries from the public.
If a call regarding a wild animal sighting is directed to the Sheriff Department, they will respond on
site if there is a threat to human life, or if an individual is traped in their car by the situation.
Generally, if there is no immediate threat, the dispatcher will direct the caller to Fish and Game or
County Animal Regulation.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file.
Wild Animal Response
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