Crime & Safety

With An Increase In Coyote Sightings, RBPD Urges Caution

RBPD sent out some tips on how to handle a coyote if residents come into contact with one.

REDONDO BEACH, CA – There have been approximately 9 coyote sightings/contacts in the areas of Susana Ave and in the 400 block of S. Irena Ave since June 26, according to a Redondo Beach Police Department press release. Coyotes are found in all areas of Los Angeles County and can live and survive in urban areas –they don't require "wild areas," and are most active from dusk to dawn. RBPD gives the following information regarding coyotes:

There are 7 steps of coyote aggression:
1. Increase in coyote presence at night in yards/streets.
2. An increase in coyotes non-aggressively approaching adults and/or taking pets at night.
3. Coyotes present on streets/parks/yards during morning or afternoon hours.
4. Coyotes chasing/taking pets in the daytime.
5. Coyotes attacking/taking leashed pets near their owners; coyotes chasing people exercising and other adults.
6. Coyotes present around children’s play areas/schools/parks during mid-day hours.
7. Coyotes acting aggressively towards adults during mid-day hours.

RBPD asks Redondo Beach residents to please keep the following in mind when dealing with coyotes:

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  • Don't leave small children unattended
  • Chaperone your pets when they are outside, especially at night; always keep your pets on a leash, especially from dusk through early morning hours.
  • Do not feed coyotes or any other wildlife.
  • Keep pets & pet food inside. If feeding outside, feed pets during the day, no more than one hour, and remove the food and water bowls when finished.
  • Remove fallen foods from the ground; bag food wastes such as meat scraps or leftover pet food.
  • Keep trash in containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Use “hazing” techniques to shoo away coyotes, such as standing tall, yelling and waving arms while approaching the coyote; use a whistle, air horn, bell, bang pots/pans together; stomp your feet; use a water hose, pepper spray, or throw tennis balls or rocks at the coyote.
  • Never run away from a coyote

If a coyote is seen please call RBPD’s non-emergency number at (310)-379-5411, or the Police Department Animal Control office at (310) 318-0611 between 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Image via Pixabay

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