Coyote Sightings on the Rise

The number of coyotes spotted in Santa Monica has risen over the past few months, according to Santa Monica Police.

There have also been a number of reports of domestic animals being chased and, sometimes, attacked by coyotes, even with people nearby, according to SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis. 

"Coyotes seem less fearful of humans than they once were, and as such, should be treated with extreme caution and distance," Lewis said. 

Police offered the following facts to help educate the public on how to handle an encounter:

• Coyote attacks are year round and can occur at any time of day or night.  
• Coyotes are hunters; they will hunt, kill and dine on any and all living creatures.
• Coyotes are extremely territorial.
• Coyotes rarely approach people in a threatening manner, however, recent attacks on humans have been reported in other cities.
• Summer heat often dries up natural water supplies bringing coyotes into suburban areas in search of food and water.

• Do not approach or feed wild animals, including coyotes. It is unsafe.
• Coyotes dislike loud noises and aggressive movement, such as a whistle, walking stick, shaking a tin can containing coins, or an umbrella, which you can open and close rapidly if confronted, to deter and scare away the coyote.
• Never leave small children and pets unattended outdoors, even if your yard is fenced.
• Coyotes are capable of scaling or jumping fences upwards of 5 ½ feet. This can be deterred by increasing the fence height to at least 6 feet and by adding an angle at the top facing outward at a 45 degree angle. Bury the bottom of the fence at least 12-18 inches underground and line the trench with rock to prevent coyotes from digging underneath.
• Remove pet food dishes when your pet has finished eating and do not leave food outside.
• Pick fruit from trees as soon as it ripens and pick up all fallen fruit. Cut low-hanging branches to avoid the coyote feeding the trees.