Removing food and fallen fruit, and hazing can help keep coyotes away

COYOTE WATCH

Residents are reporting coyote sightings on El Dorado and Oakmont roads and in Mutuals 3, 4, 5 and 6, among other locations, according to recent social media posts.

A pack of three was seen running between Buildings 40 and 76 in Mutual 4. A lone coyote was recently discovered sleeping on a front porch on Martha Ann and Main Way in Rossmoor. Social media reports have also put them in the Old Town area, with at least one spotted near Main Street.

Increased coyote sightings may be due to excessive heat, as the animals look for water and shade. The removal of brush due to freeway construction has eliminated cover for coyotes and the animals coyotes prey on.

Another major reason for the presence of coyotes is likely the abundance of food available outside. Coyotes primarily hunt rodents, squirrels and rabbits, but they will eat almost anything. They take advantage of whatever is available, including garbage, pet food and domestic animals.

California law prohibits the feeding of coyotes.

The Seal Beach City Council has a coyote management plan that was adopted in 2015. The plan emphasizes educating the public on how to avoid attracting coyotes and on hazing, which instills a fear of humans in coyotes.

Residents can lower chances of coyotes in their area by picking up fallen fruit in their yards and securing trash in bins with tight-fitting lids. Feed pets inside or, if the animal must eat, outside, remove leftover food as soon as possible. If food and water are removed, coyotes will move on to more hospitable locales.

Hazing, which uses scare tactics to repel coyotes, includes the following techniques:

•Yell and wave your arms while approaching a coyote.

•Use noisemakers such as whistles, air horns, bells or soda cans filled with pennies to scare the coyote.

•Use projectiles such as sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls or rubber balls to throw at the coyote.

•Use hoses, water guns or spray bottles.

Cats and smaller dogs should be monitored by owners, especially between dusk and dawn. For more information, visit the California Department of Fish and Game at www.keepmewild. org.