pets and their natural prey ….

pets and their natural prey of rabbits, squirrels and other small animals.

Mike Lessin was awakened at around 2 a.m. on March 28 to let out his dog, Bear, to relieve himself. Lessin had just opened the door and was stepping out when Bear yowled. In the blink of an eye, the coyote struck. Lessin yelled, and the coyote ran off.

“I screamed at him. This thing came out of nowhere with lightening speed,” said Lessin, who berated himself for not having Bear on a leash. “I blame myself. I let my guard down. I want to remind my neighbors to stay alert so they won’t have to go through this.”

Bear suffered a puncture wound that was treated by a veterinarian, and he is recovering well.

Here are tips to keep pets safe from coyotes:

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

• Do not leave 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. GRF policy requires 6-foot leashes. This allows you to be in control of your pet and ensures it’s close at all times.

• Keep shrubbery at ground level to reduce places where coyotes can hide.

• Keep tight covers on all trash containers.

• Never leave water or pet food outside.

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

Report attacks to Security, (562) 596-4754 or to Long Beach Animal Services, (562) 570-7387, which contracts with the City of Seal Beach to handle animal control issues. People can report coyote encounters online at https://www.longbeach.gov/ acs/wildlife/coyote-report/.