Fox Hunts Increase Coyote Sightings
Wonder about the increased sightings of coyotes in the foothills of the West San Fernando Valley? One reason for the apparent increase may be traced to a 30-year-old tradition on Home Savings’ Ahmanson Ranch. Ahmanson Land Co. has allowed fox hunts (actually coyote hunts) on the 5,400-acre ranch since at least the 1950s during winter months. These hunts are led by bloodhounds followed by horses and their riders over the rolling hillsides adjacent to Chatsworth, West Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and Agoura. Unfortunately the hounds will chase not only coyotes to their death, but other mammals, including deer, gray foxes, bobcats, badgers and raccoons. But the agile coyotes, which can sometimes run quicker than the dogs, can be sighted by panicked homeowners in the streets and backyards of the neighboring communities.
And why does Ahmanson Land Co. continue this tradition? Good question.
VINCE CURTIS
Agoura
Curtis is director of Friends of Ahmanson Ranch
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