Coyote Alert

Many cities around Orange County are seeing higher numbers of coyotes this spring. Most coyotes within the urban setting are the offspring of generations of coyotes that have lived and flourished in Orange County’s urban areas.

Coyote populations seem to flucuate year by year.

But this year, it seems to be booming. There is a lot of anecdotal information about this on Nextdoor and Facebook. Dozens of LW residents are posting sightings and tracking coyote movement from Mutual to Mutual. And at least one case, a resident called out risky behavior when dealing with the predators. Late last week Jan Goodwyn of Mutual 7 reported that she saw a woman throw a sandwich to a coyote. “I saw a coyote in Mutual 7 on St. Andrews heading toward Mutual 6,” she posted. “A woman driving a small gray car south on St. Andrews threw a sandwich to the coyote.

“It came back up the street and ate it right on my front walk. My little dog Lucy is out front most days,” she added, pleading with residents to not feed the coyotes.

The coyote ended up lingering all day, as they tend to stay wherever there is food.

Here are tips to keep you and your pets safe:

• Never get friendly with coyotes.

• Never feed coyotes.

• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw small rocks in the animal’s direction.

• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.

• Do not allow cats outdoors to roam (day or night).

• Do not use a retractable leash—a leash should be no more than 6 feet. This allows you to be in control of your pet and ensures it is close to you at all times.

• Trim ground-level shrubbery and clear brush near your home to reduce places where coyotes live and hide.

• Make sure covers are tight on all trash containers.

• Never leave water or pet food outside.

• Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water.

• Never attempt to touch, pet or capture wildlife. These animals will bite to protect themselves.

Animal control will only respond if the coyote is sick or injured or if it is threatening or attacking a person. There have been no reports of threatening coyote behavior in LW. But there have been prolific sightings, so coyotes are in the area in abundance.

For more information, contact Seal Beach’s contracted provider, Long Beach Animal Care Services, at (562) 570-7387. It is a violation of state law to feed wildlife because it alters their natural behaviors.

—Ruth Osborn, managing editor