Credit: clayton harrison via Shutterstock.
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Sometimes it’s bears using our pools as their private vacation resorts, other times it’s thousands upon thousands of tarantulas crossing the city in search of love. This time, it’s the coyotes that will have all our attention for the next few weeks.
For several days now, government officials from different cities across the region, from Barstow to Huntington Beach, have been alerting the public about the increase in potential encounters with these animals. The reason? The breeding season has arrived, running from January through March.
According to the specialized site Coyote Smarts, this species usually travels in packs, especially during this time of year. Seeing them near residential areas adjacent to green spaces is common, as that’s where they find their prey, including rodents and birds. To avoid any encounters, it’s recommended to:
- Trim back plants that could provide hiding spots or shelters.
- Harvest ripe or fallen fruit and vegetables promptly.
- Remove trash and keep lids tightly closed.
- Store garbage in a garage or secure building until collection day.
On the same note, pet owners (specially if you have a small dog or a cat in your house) are strongly advise protecting them by:
- Keeping them mostly indoors.
- When outdoors, supervise them or use a leash/harness.
- Avoid feeding feral cats.
While they are generally wary of humans, coyotes can sometimes approach people, which can pose a risk, particularly with children or pets nearby. In such cases, the site recommends:
- Make yourself as big and loud as possible, never run or turn your back.
- Wave your arms, clap, and shout firmly.
- Create noise by banging pots and pans or using an air horn or whistle, this can also alert neighbors.
- Throw small objects like stones, sticks, or tennis balls, aim to scare, not harm.
- Use a hose or a water-and-vinegar squirt gun if you have one.
- Shake or toss a “coyote shaker”, a sealed soda can filled with pennies or pebbles.