Loud pack of coyotes takes over abandoned West Hollywood construction site

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- A pack of coyotes has taken over an abandoned construction zone in West Hollywood, alarming neighbors with nightly howling and barking.

Neighbors shared videos of the loud barking and howling and close encounters with some of the coyotes at what they are now calling the "coyote condo."

According to nearby residents, construction of the building came to a halt years ago. In recent months, coyotes have made themselves at home on the site.

Neighbors tell our sister station KABC-TV they aren't angry about the coyotes, but they do want the city to do something about the abandoned building.

At least four coyotes were captured on video lounging in the sunlight on the balconies of the unfinished building. KABC's news helicopter flew over the building on Monday afternoon and spotted a coyote trotting around the property.

Residents say they are used to seeing coyotes strolling along the streets while walking their dogs.

"They don't attack people or come up to people, so I'm not too worried," said neighbor Davaughn Smith. "But it's more about the dogs and kids."

The coyotes have been attracting attention day and night for the last several months after taking residence in the abandoned multiunit building under construction.

Residents say crews stopped working on the building about three years ago.

"It's been years. Years and years. I've asked different people. Some people say it's been four years or longer," said resident Cindy Sorley. "You know, yeah, it's an eyesore. It's a big eyesore."

"It's a developer who lost their funding, and it's been basically an eyesore for the last three years," said neighbor Paddy Fallon. "We had some homeless people living in there. They kicked them out. And then the coyotes came in, and they let them stay."

Many say the most difficult thing about the coyotes taking over the property is the nightly howling. Some say they are having trouble sleeping.

"Late at night...11, 12, 1, 2, you'll hear them howling," Sorley said. "Really, really loud. Like, it will wake you up."

Residents want to know why the construction project has been abandoned, and they're urging city officials to take action. Many are concerned about the health and safety of the coyotes.

"It's not nice seeing them just like walking all around here all skinny and fragile looking. You can see they're not as strong and good looking as they should be," said Michael Laselva.

KABC-TV reached out to the city of West Hollywood, which said there has been a coyote management and coexistence plan in place for several years.

The city says it emphasizes non-lethal management of the coyotes, but it is also working with several L.A. County agencies to manage the behavior of the coyotes and make sure everyone is safe.