Spring has arrived and so has a new generation of coyotes prowling for food in many Southern California communities.
Encounters with aggressive coyotes were reported in Pasadena less than a week ago and now officials in Huntington Beach are sharing tips on how residents can keep coyotes away from their homes.
“In spring, female coyotes build dens to prepare for their young. They tend to be territorial, protecting their dens from unwanted visitors and hunting for food,” the Huntington Beach Police Department posted on Facebook Tuesday.
Here’s what police say residents can do to prepare:
- Cut back vegetation that may be creating hiding places and shelters
- Quickly harvest ripe/fallen fruit and vegetables
- Eliminate accessible water sources
- Pick up trash/litter and keep lids closed
- Keep garbage inside a garage or secure building until pickup day
The two recent encounters in Pasadena showed how suddenly a coyote encounter can turn dangerous.
“It was like 10:30 p.m. and I saw a coyote on the other side of the street,” Mike Kwan told KTLA’s Mary Beth McDade. “I just panicked and I turned and ran as fast as I could, but I couldn’t get rid of the coyote. It was following us. I did what I could to shake it off, yell at it and make noise.”
Kwan followed the advice of a bystander and got into his car for safety.
A second incident involved a coyote targeting a woman and her dog. Good Samaritans in that instance grabbed sticks and chased off the wild animal.
The City of Huntington Beach has posted more information about its Coyote Management Plan.
