Police: Watch Out for Coyotes in the South Bay

EL SEGUNDO, CA — Police in the South Bay, including El Segundo, were warning residents about recent coyote sightings in the area and urging them to protect pets and seal off garbage.

An El Segundo resident reported seeing a coyote at 2:05 a.m. at Eucalyptus Drive and Walnut Avenue, police said. Officers arrived and saw the coyote moving westbound on Maple Avenue from Main Street.

Redondo Beach and Torrance police have also reported coyote activity in their areas.

The Torrance Police Department announced it will deploy bicycle officers in the early morning hours of Monday and Tuesday to observe coyotes, report sightings and educate the community.

Coyotes are more active in the spring, noted an El Segundo police statement. The wild animals are feeding and protecting their young.

Coyotes are most active from dusk through dawn but can be seen any time of day, said Redondo Beach police. Most coyotes in urban areas are the offspring of generations of coyotes who have lived there. They are attracted to neighborhoods due to the availability of garbage, pet food and pets upon which to prey, according to a Redondo Beach police statement.

Police encouraged residents who encounter coyotes to try to scare them away by standing tall, waving arms and yelling until the coyote runs away.

Residents were also urged to not leave small pets outside unattended, do not leave food or water outside, to keep garbage in tightly closed containers that can't be tipped over and avoid using bird feeders that attract rodents and other coyote prey.

— City News Service, photo via Pixabay