Can sort of get the idea of the problem here..can I assume you have explored all the organic solutions here..natural deterrents, removing any attractions for the coyotes.etc.?...without seeng the whole property or knowing the local regulations on fencing ...is it not possible to fence the perimeter?...do the local animal control services have any solutions?.

The only thing that comes to mind that won't make you feel like you are in a cage might be something like an aviary...

Thanks ritasj. The problem is pretty real in the area. The house is literally right next to Griffith and coyotes apparently live at the bottom of the street and are regularly seen. Fencing is a challenge because of the hillside backyard slope. Literally a fence would need to be 8-10 feet BUT due to the proximity of the neighboring homes and their stair case into their second floor even a tall fence on the side wouldn't ensure safety. If you read about coyotes you'll see that it's surprising that designers/contractors/landscape designers haven't capitalized more on the very real issue. The coyotes are regularly seen in the yards of residents in this area and on the street during daylight/afternoon hours as well. Thanks for the aviary idea!

Electrified fence? I'm thinking that screens won't necessary stop a coyote.

I live in Altadena and see coyotes regularly. I'm sure you know that they are clever, intrepid hunters who can handily scale fences of six feet or even higher to get to their prey, so the best protection from them is not to provide the prey. Keep your cats indoors and supervise small dogs whenever they're outside. I haven't heard of any attacks on larger dogs, but I would never leave them outside and unsupervised either, especially in the early morning or after dark. I've seen coyotes run into overgrown front yards where they can hide to consume prey that they've already caught and killed. It's unlikely, however, that they would go to the effort of climbing over your back fence unless they think they'll find a tasty little doggy or kitty on the other side. When walking my small dog in the hills and out on the trails, I always carry a walking stick for protection, just in case. I've never had to use it to beat back a coyote, but I think it pays to be proactive. The funny thing is that coyotes actually live all over in the LA Basin, not just in the hills. My mom lives on the flats in Arcadia and she recently looked out her kitchen window to see one walking along the top of a six-foot concrete-block wall behind her condo. Now that was freaky!

Btw, don't you think that keeping an aviary would attract coyotes to your yard?

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74135.html

Here is an excellent resource for coyote management.

With that said if it absolutely has to keep coyotes/pests out no matter what then you are going to be building a glass enclosed sun room that you only open when you are directly supervising. Just sayin' coyotes are wiley...lol

Yes, we are looking into professional help on this. lizzie91001, we wouldn't keep an aviary it would simply have the structure of an aviary (at least that's what I suspect was suggested with that idea). Thank you for all the consideration. Yes, the wily nature of coyotes can never be underestimated. No dogs ever in the yard without a leash, we know. No exceptions!

You are right agent ...my suggestion for an aviary was just because they can be very beautiful ...some gorgeous wrought iron details can be incorporated to include areas for hanging plants and water features can be included...to further a feel of an atrium or a solarium...this will also open up the opportunity to open the home to the fresh air and complete indoor/outdoor living flow...in our area we have a similar problem with deer and we found there are other supplemental measures that deter them...sprays that repel them on the property perimeter and even motion-sensor sprinklers...perhaps there are coyote deterrents such as this that can help discourage them as well...even certain plants repel some wildlife....