Public Works

Urban Wildlife

The City of Riverside and outlying areas contain beautiful parks and open space which provide habitats for an abundance of wild animals. Although wildlife sightings are common by residents and visitors, it is important to not interact with or harass the wildlife.

Healthy wildlife is able to fend for itself and will avoid contact with people by hunting and gathering food at night. However, in some cases, wildlife may seek food, water, and shelter from residential properties, particularly during extended droughts when their natural resources may be depleted.

Therefore, it is important that residents take the following small precautions to help decrease the number of wild animals in neighborhoods:

• Pet food bowls should not be left outside;
• Trash containers should remain closed;
• Pets should never roam unsupervised;
• Wildlife should not be fed.

If there are concerns regarding wildlife sightings, such as coyotes, in neighborhoods, please call the City of Riverside at 951-826-5311 or report the concerns to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

There are times when ill, injured, or aggressive wild animals become a threat to public health and safety. Aggressive wild animals may hunt pets during the daytime or approach people without fear. If you see wildlife that appears to be injured or sick, please report them to 951-826-5311 or report concerns to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services at 951-358-7387. If you believe that you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) is the City’s local animal control agency. To contact RCDAS for details regarding services provided, please call 951-358-7387 or visit their website HERE.  Although RCDAS primarily manages domestic animals within the City, they also offer wildlife management services for specific situations, such as the trapping of skunks or management of injured wildlife. For additional information on the services and tips provided by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, please visit their website HERE.

Additional resources in regards to living with wildlife can be found at the following links:

• Living with Wildlife Tips from the US Humane Society
• Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program from the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources