Ventura Hillsides Conservancy and REI, Oxnard are teaming up with coyote expert David Lee for a free, special presentation on the coyotes in urban settings, 11/9 at 6:30 pm. This is first time this popular event is being held at REI Oxnard.

A coyote's nighttime yips and howls are often heard coming from the Ventura County hills. Did you know that coyotes howl to communicate to other pack members - to coordinate hunts, establish territories and simply tell other coyotes know where they are? But human-coyote interactions are on the rise. During California's ongoing drought, coyotes are on the lookout for food and water in our gardens, backyards, alleyways, parks and open spaces. Favorite non-wild foods include garbage, fruit from landscaped trees, and even the occasional small pet.

All too often coyotes are given a 'bad rap' but in reality, they are one of North America's unique wildlife species. Learn about Ventura's urban coyotes and the ways humans and coyotes can peacefully coexist. David Lee is a California wildlife guru and senior biologist with Davey Resource Group. Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is a REI Grant Partner. Seating is limited.

To learn more about David Lee (and see some fantastic wildlife videos!), check out his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/davidleebio/?fref=ts