A popular Mesa neighborhood park recently got playground upgrades that will likely delight kids, but the city is also cautioning parents and others to be aware of a coyote that has been seen lurking nearby.
The city of Santa Barbara announced last week that the playground at La Mesa Park is open after two months of upgrades were finished.
The park now has play areas for children ages 2 to 12, with additional swings and bouncers for younger children.
The same release encouraged visitors to be aware of their surroundings and stay away from any wildlife they may encounter in the park.
People enjoying the park noticed a coyote nearby last August, and the animal has been a consistent presence since, generating multiple calls to the city’s Animal Control department.
The 9-acre park at 295 Meigs Road is surrounded by wooded areas and residential neighborhoods, which puts the animal in close quarters with people.
State law prohibits trapping and relocation of certain fur-bearing animals, including coyotes.
(John Pierpont photo)
If captured by Animal Control officers, the animal would have to be euthanized on the spot.
City officials have said that because the animal hasn’t attacked any people or pets, the public will for such action just isn’t there.
There have also been multiple reports that people have been feeding and leaving water for the coyote, which is against the law, according to Sgt. Riley Harwood of the Santa Barbara Police Department.
Several calls have come in this winter, including a sighting of the coyote in November and a second-hand call in December from the Parks Department that a coyote had acted aggressively towards a man and his dog, Harwood said.
Another call came in Dec. 28 to report someone feeding the coyote, he said.
Meanwhile, park officials are continuing to urge the public to stay safe.
They’ve also issued a set of guidelines on coyotes and park safety that that can be found here.
There’s not been any significant increase in public concern, but the city encourages park users to avoid coming into contact with the animal, said Jill Zachary, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Santa Barbara.
“Our signage on site also points out that it is illegal to feed wild animals,” she said. “Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to the presence of the coyote.”
— Noozhawk staff writer Lara Cooper can be reached at lcooper@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
