Coyote activity has recently occurred in Long Beach and surrounding areas, and residents are reminded to follow safeguards to protect pets and property against the wild animals. Coyotes are found in every state of the nation, except for Hawaii, and it’s not uncommon to see one walking down a busy street, according to Long Beach city officials.
Coyotes do not require open space to survive and have successfully adapted to living in close proximity to humans. Coyotes are most active at dusk and dawn, and in urban environments they are more active at night. However, they can be seen at any time of day.
The following techniques are recommended to compassionately co-exist with coyotes, and to protect people and pets:
• Never feed coyotes or any other wildlife.
• Keep pets, especially cats and small dogs, and pet food inside. If feeding outside, feed pets during the day (no more than one hour) and remove the food bowls when finished.
• Stay close to pets when taking them outdoors, and always keep them on a leash, especially from dusk through early-morning hours.
• Remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Food waste, such as meat scraps or leftover pet food, should be bagged.
• 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; using a whistle, air horn, bell or other device; banging pots or pans together; stomping feet; using a water hose or pepper spray; or throwing tennis balls or rocks toward the coyote.
• Never run from a coyote.
