The Wildlife Resources Committee (WRC), part of the California Fish and Game Commission, is considering changes to how it currently manages coyotes. Because they are currently labeled as “non-game” animals, coyotes can be killed without limits—day or night, year-round.
The WRC has recommended that the Commission launch a process to develop new regulations so that coyotes wouldn’t be treated as “non-game” animals. While we always prefer that effective coexistence strategies be used rather than lethal means, having a regulated, restricted hunting season and restrictions on when coyotes may be subject to lethal control would save many lives and reduce harm.
On May 15, the WRC will meet at 10am PT to discuss this recommendation. They need to hear strong public support to keep moving toward a more humane, effective, and science-based approach to managing California’s coyotes! View the WRC agenda here.
Here’s how you can help:
1) Please submit a comment by 5pm PT May 2 to fgc@fgc.ca.gov with the subject line “Support WRC’s recommendation to remove coyotes’ non-game classification.” Use these key talking points, but please also personalize your letter for greatest impact.
More information here.
2) Testify virtually (or in person in Sacramento) at the WRC meeting on May 15th. More information here. The meeting starts at 10am and “Take of coyotes” is 4th on the agenda so we expect this issue to be discussed quite quickly. The WRC will inform attendees about how to indicate you would like to testify (virtually using the “raise hand” function).
We suggest keeping your testimony pithy and concise. Use these key talking points, but please also personalize your testimony for greatest impact. The WRC prefers that individuals who testify do not repeat points made by previous speakers so you can also simply say: “I agree with the comments and recommendations made by Project Coyote” to show your support. It is important the WRC hears from the public on this issue with a demonstration of widespread support for setting regulations around when and how coyotes may be killed and eliminating the indiscriminate killing that is currently allowed.
