Coyote Awareness: What To Do When You Spot A Coyote

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — If you live, work, play in Orange County, chances are you've seen a coyote in the vast wilderness area. When the weather warms, and coyote pups grow up, they venture out into suburban neighborhoods in search of food, water and sometimes, your pets.

The Newport Beach Police Department recently shared information regarding an influx of coyotes into rural neighborhoods.

Does it seem like there's been more coyote activity recently? There might be a reason for that: During the spring months, coyotes tend to stay close to their dens to protect and raise their newborn pups.

When those pups grow older and start learning how to hunt, the coyotes will stray further and further from the den.

The NBPD asks residents to report coyote sightings whenever possible, and to classify the behavior of that creature from green (non threatening) to red (dangerous).

Residents are being taught the art of "coyote hazing" to act as a "pack" to discourage coyotes through loud noises, big motion, and non-threatened behavior.

By reporting coyote sightings to the city, taking part in "hazing processes" to discourage coyotes around humans, and ensuring that your areas are fenced, your small animals are indoors and not off leash, and never allow pets or children to "play" with coyotes.

Residents wanting to take precautions for themselves and their pets should follow the measures outlined by the NBPD and Animal Control:

• Cats and small animals should not be allowed outside alone, even in a fenced yard. (A dog or cat can be taken from a backyard enclosed by a six-foot high fence or wall in a matter of moments.)
• Always accompany small pets when outside.
• Don't allow your dog off leash.
• Coyotes generally hunt between sunset and sunrise, but can be observed at all hours of the day and will not pass up the opportunity to attack.

Other measures you can take include:

• Fence off animal enclosures (fully enclose them, if possible)
• Keep cats and small dogs indoors
• Feed pets indoors
• Store trash in covered heavy-duty containers
• Keep yards free from potential shelter, such as thick brush and weeds
• Enclose the bottoms of porches and decks
• Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water
• Never feed coyotes
  • Providing food for wild animals is a violation of City & State law, and is a very serious problem. Coyotes fed by humans lose their fear of people, which can create a dangerous situation. If you are aware of anyone feeding coyotes, please report the violation by calling 949-644-3717.

As coyote activity increases, now would be a great time to review the coyote information on our website here:

Newport Beach Police Department Coyote Information.

"The page includes important information about hazing and how to taking preventative measures to protect yourself, your pets, and your property from nuisance animals like coyotes and other wildlife," Newport Beach Police Department information officer Jennifer Manzella said. "You can also report coyote sightings and view a coyote sighting map."

In the city's Coyote Management Plan, lethal control measures would be employed only as a last resort.

NBPD encourages everyone to “Be Coyote Smart," they said.

Have you seen a coyote in your neighborhood? Let us know.

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