West Hollywood requiring property owner to remove coyotes from stalled construction site

A stalled construction project in West Hollywood has become an unexpected habitat for a pack of coyotes. Neighbors near the intersection of Romaine Street and North Spaulding Avenue dubbed the vacant site the coyote condo after the animals began appearing on balconies and wandering the property. The building, intended to be a 22-unit condominium complex, has remained incomplete since 2024 with expired permits.

Local residents report persistent nightly howling and occasional close encounters. While one neighbor recounted a tense moment where he felt circled by several animals, wildlife experts offer a different perspective. Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates notes that coyotes typically target small prey like squirrels and rabbits rather than humans. She describes the animals as skittish creatures that generally avoid direct contact with people.

City officials are currently taking action to address the situation. They have contacted the property owner, identified as Clement Tung, to mandate the hiring of a professional wildlife control operator. The city requires the owner to secure the premises and humanely move the coyote pack from the construction site. The removal process involves fencing off access points to prevent return while using hazing techniques to guide the animals out.

Despite the city mandate, questions remain regarding the future of the abandoned structure itself. The property has sat idle for three years, and there is no official timeline for resuming construction or addressing the state of the building. For now, the city focus remains on clearing the site of the wildlife that has taken up residence within the unfinished walls.