It’s that time of year again when coyote sightings increase and officials offer tips on how to keep them away from homes.

The reason you’re more likely to see coyotes in many parts of Southern California later this month isn’t surprising: coyote breeding season typically 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 in search of mates and food sources, resulting in more sightings,” the Huntington Beach Police Department posted Tuesday.

A coyote attack on a toddler near Huntington Beach Pier made headlines in April 2022, not long after the typical mating season. A family was out by the pier around 9:45 p.m. when the 2-year-old girl was attacked.

The coyote bit the girl and knocked her down, leaving her with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Huntington Beach police officers were called to the scene, where they found two coyotes nearby and shot them both.

That same year, the city issued its Coyote Management Plan to help the community safely coexist with urban coyotes.

Coyotes, which are native to California, eat a broad range of small animals, including mice, rats and gophers. “Rodents make up a majority of their diet. In the process, they control the population sizes of these animals, many of which are considered pests to humans,” the city’s plan states.

Unfortunately, urban coyotes are also known to go after small pets or even children and can be attracted into neighborhoods by pet food, unsecured compost or trash, and fallen fruit.

What you can do to prepare:

  • Cut back vegetation that may create hiding places and shelters.

  • Quickly harvest ripe or fallen fruit and vegetables.

  • Pick up trash and keep lids closed.

  • Keep garbage inside a garage or secure building until pickup day.

Pet owners are urged not to leave small dogs outside unattended, as they may be seen as potential prey.

“It is important to either keep dogs on a six-foot-long or shorter leash when outdoors or to stay within six feet of them when on your property. Coyotes may view a dog on a leash longer than six feet as an unattended pet,” officials said.

Protect cats and small dogs from coyotes:

  • Keep them primarily indoors.

  • When outside, accompany them or keep them on a leash or harness.

“People who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might prey on the cats,” officials said. “These concerns are well-founded, as coyotes can be attracted to outdoor pet food.”

More information, including a checklist to make your home uninviting to coyotes, is available on the Coyote Management Plan.

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