Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, has authored a motion seeking an analysis of ways to provide water for wildlife in natural areas during the drought. Koretz said such options are necessary during a time when the drought is forcing animals to increasingly search for water in residential areas.

Among the animals most affected by the drought are coyotes, mountain lions and bears. When wild animals enter residential areas in search of water, it can present a danger to domestic cats and small dogs, as well as children.

Koretz introduced the motion on July 1, which calls on the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and local wildlife agencies to report back to the council in 30 days with a plan to provide watering troughs or other solutions in natural areas, such as Griffith Park and the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area.

“We want our wildlife animals to find water where they live,” Koretz said.

The motion will next be heard in the council’s arts, parks, health, aging and river committee.