Given that Indian Wells is a desert community, it’s common to see coyotes, bobcats and other wildlife in the area. The City recognizes that living alongside wildlife can cause stressful situations. While most wildlife generally avoid human contact, it’s important to remember they are wild animals and the City has no control over wildlife—this falls under the jurisdiction of The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

The resources below are compiled from information provided by the CDFW and Riverside County Animal Services. Additional details are available on the CDFW and Riverside County Animal Services websites.

What can you do?

"In my 17 years of service, I have not received a report of a coyote attacking a human." - Riverside County Animal Services Sgt. Miguel Hernandez 

Rabies Concerns for Pet Owners

Rabies Quarantine per Riverside County Department of Animal Services:

• If your pet was vaccinated against rabies 30 days or longer before a bite/exposure, your pet will be placed under a 30-day quarantine.
• If your pet is unvaccinated or if they were vaccinated less than 30 days before a bite/exposure, your pet can be placed under a 6-month quarantine.
• For more information on rabies concerns, please visit the Riverside County Department of Animal Services website.

Effective January 1, 2020, a bobcat hunting ban took effect in California. Trapping bobcats for their fur is also banned in California. Bobcats that are harassing or killing pets and livestock, may be taken by the landowner or agent under the authority of a depredation permit issued by CDFW. Below are some, but not all Fish and Game Code (FGC) laws and Title 14 California Code of Regulations (CCR) relevant to bobcats.

FGC Section 4155. Bobcat Protection Act. It is unlawful to trap or hunt a bobcat, or attempt to do so, except as authorized. 

For more information regarding protective legislation around Bobcats, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Bobcat#573981137-laws-and-regulations

Coyotes

Per the California Fish and Game Code Law [§2116 - 2210], it is illegal to transport a coyote that has been trapped. This means, while it is legal to trap coyotes, they must be released or euthanized on site if trapped. 

For more information regarding state laws and regulations for living with wildlife, please visit the following page on the CDFW website.

For other concerns about living in proximity to coyotes, bobcats and other wildlife, see the CDFW website, including the Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit. You can also learn more about coexisting with coyotes by watching CDFW’s video.

Local Laws and Regulations

Please note the following Municipal Codes regulating the use of a weapon for hunting purposes and the prohibition of discharging a firearms within the City:

Municipal Code 9.28

9.28.010 - Hunting Prohibited.

Hunting of any kind whatsoever is prohibited within the City limits. (Ord. 20 § 1, 1967)

9.28.020 Use of weapons prohibited.

All weapons including, but not limited to firearms, bows and arrows, sling shots, pellet guns or other similar dangerous weapons shall not be used for recreational or hunting purposes within the City. (Ord. 20 § 2, 1967)

Municipal Code 9.52.010

9.52.010 Permit to fire guns.

No person shall fire, shoot or discharge any gun, rifle, pistol or other firearm, or any air gun, air rifle or air pistol, or any spring gun, spring pistol or spring rifle, or any carbon dioxide or other gas operated gun, rifle or pistol without having first obtained a written permit from the Chief Law Enforcement Officer. (Ord. 46 § 13, 1968)

For more information:

Visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website: wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild

Or file a Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) to report wildlife that cause damage to your property or harm to your domestic animals to the CDFW. 

Visit the Riverside County Animal Services website or call them at (760) 343-3644.