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Coyote sightings in Southern California are about to increase, here’s why

Coyote sightings increase that time of year again, and officials are offering tips on how to keep them away from homes.

It’s no surprise why you’re more likely to see coyotes in many parts of Southern California later this month: coyote breeding season generally runs from late January through March. Knowing this can help residents and pet owners prepare in advance.

“During this time, adult coyotes travel long distances to find mates and food sources, resulting in increased sightings,” the Huntington Beach Police Department said. Published Tuesday.

In April 2022, not long after typical mating season, a coyote attack on a toddler near the Huntington Beach Pier made headlines. A family was near the pier around 21.45. 2 year old girl was attacked.

It was stated that the jackal bit the girl and knocked her to the ground, and she suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Huntington Beach police officers were called to the scene, where they found two coyotes and shot them both.

In the same year, the municipality Coyote Management Plan Helping the community coexist safely with urban coyotes.

Native to California, coyotes eat a wide variety of small animals, including mice, rats and squirrels. “Rodents make up the majority of their diet. In the process, they control the population size of these animals, many of which are considered harmful to humans,” the city’s plan says.

Unfortunately, urban coyotes have been known to prey on small pets and even children, and are attracted to neighborhoods by pet food, unsafe compost or garbage, and fallen fruit.

What you can do to prepare:

Cut back vegetation that could create hiding places and shelters.
Quickly harvest ripe or fallen fruits and vegetables.
Collect garbage and keep lids closed.
Store trash in a garage or secure building until collection day.

Pet owners are advised not to leave small dogs unattended outside as they could be seen as potential prey.

“It is important to keep dogs on a 6-foot or shorter leash when outside, or stay 6 feet away from them when on your property. Coyotes may view a dog on a leash longer than 6 feet as a stray pet,” officials said.

Protect cats and small dogs from coyotes:

Keep them primarily indoors.
Accompany them or keep them on a leash or harness when they are outside.

“People who keep feral cats often worry that coyotes may prey on the cats,” officials said. “These concerns are well-founded because coyotes can be attracted to outdoor pet food.”

You can find more information, including a checklist to make your home uninviting to coyotes, at: Coyote Management Plan.

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