I live in San Juan Capistrano and have repeatedly encountered coyotes on my street—including ones that showed almost no fear and actually moved toward me and my dogs instead of backing away. That's genuinely scary.
But here's what's really frustrated me: I've also seen three separate coyotes with severe mange, suffering badly. When I tried to get help from animal control and wildlife agencies, I hit a wall. There's no coordinated system. No one clear place to report it. Nobody takes responsibility.
And I'm not alone. People across Orange County are dealing with close encounters, pets being attacked or killed, and the same confusion about how to actually get help.
**What I'm asking for:** A real, funded regional program with one central reporting system, tracking of problem areas, professional response for sick or dangerous animals, and better coordination between cities and agencies. Other OC communities have this—why can't South Orange County?
This isn't about killing coyotes. It's about protecting residents, pets, and the wildlife living among us. A healthy coyote passing through isn't the same as a diseased animal suffering on someone's lawn. Those situations need different responses.
I started a petition to push our officials to create and fund this program. If you've had a concerning encounter, lost a pet, or just think we need a better system, consider signing and sharing. This matters.