The City of Monrovia is a great place to live, work and recreate, nestled comfortably against the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, which are abundant with local wildlife.
The City's homes, streets and parks interface with the wilderness that is home to many species of wildlife. For this reason, residents need to be aware of how to interact responsibly and conscientiously with local wildlife. If you purchase a home in these areas, be aware that you will be sharing the area with local wildlife. This consideration will help you safely coexist with the wildlife and avoid problematic situations that can possibly endanger humans, wildlife or property.
The following information is provided to assist you in living with local wildlife in a safe and responsible manner.
BEARS
There are many bears in and around the Monrovia area. They are primarily located in wilderness interface areas, but tend to wander farther into populated areas than most wildlife. Mischievous activity and bad habits are passed from generation to generation in bears. They can become quite mischievous and cunning in gaining access to food. Bears have been known to break into homes, garages and vehicles seeking food.
Bears can be dangerous to humans or pets when frightened or provoked. Sows (females) can be dangerous when cubs are around. Bears feed on human trash, fallen fruit and pet food.
DEER
Primarily located in wilderness areas, but tend to wander farther into populated areas than most wildlife, deer are not normally dangerous to humans or pets unless provoked or frightened. Deer can cause property damage by eating many types of landscape flowers and other vegetation. Deer are abundant in the Monrovia area and are a source of food for mountain lions.
COYOTES
Coyotes are seen in all areas of the city, but are more heavily concentrated in the hillside areas. Although infrequent, they have been known to attack humans, working in packs (two or more). They also prey upon domestic pets, such as small dogs and cats. They are a known carrier or rabies.
MOUNTAIN LIONS
Mountain Lions are naturally fearful of human interaction and usually stay in the wilderness. They do wander down into the populated areas from time to time, but usually return to the wilderness. Sometimes sick or injured mountain lions wander into populated areas looking for an easy meal, which may be a pet or pet food left outside.
Our very large deer population increases the number of mountain lions in our area. At any given time, there may be several mountain lions in the Monrovia wilderness area. People should always be on the lookout when walking, hiking, or bicycling in the wilderness areas as they can be a threat to humans or pets. Mountain lions hunt primarily from dusk to dawn.
RACCOONS
Raccoons live in all areas of the City. They can be highly destructive, trying to get into homes and in gardens rooting for grubs. They also have a moderate rate of rabies and can carry distemper.
SNAKES
Snakes can be found in all areas of the City, but are most prevalent in the northern section. Rattlesnakes (shown left) are poisonous and are the only snakes that pose a threat to humans and pets in the area.
FOXES
Foxes live primarily north of Foothill Blvd. Recently, they were responsible for an outbreak of distemper. They also can carry rabies.
SKUNKS
Skunks live in all areas of the city and may cause damage to landscape by rooting for grubs. They have a high rate or rabies.
HAWKS
Hawks are not usually a threat to humans unless their nests are threatened. Small pets can be a source of food for hawks.
OPOSSUM
Opossums live in all areas of the city can can carry rabies.
BOBCATS
Bobcats are primarily located in wilderness interface areas and can be dangerous to pets, and a small threat to humans.
Click here for a brochure on successfully sharing your neighborhood with Monrovia's abundant wildlife.
For information on obtaining a bear-resistant trash barrel for your home, click here.
Community Life 
