Residents in Southern California have been raising alarms about aggressive coyote behavior in recent weeks, leading to worries for both humans and pets.
According to a report from KCLA, coyotes have been increasingly spotted in Mar Vista, on the west side of Los Angeles. The surge in coyote sightings began around March, as recounted by concerned residents.
Video footage captured by KTLA shows a group of six coyotes casually strolling through a Mar Vista neighborhood. In another clip, a man and his dog were followed by a coyote during a walk.
Jeanelle Arias, a resident of Mar Vista, shared a harrowing experience with KTLA where she had to hastily intervene to protect her elderly dog from a bold coyote in her backyard. Fortunately, her other dog chased away the intruding coyote before any harm was done.
Shelley Beringhele, another Mar Vista resident, expressed dismay to KTLA, stating that the lack of definitive action from animal services has left the community feeling helpless.
Neighborhood resident Fleishman echoed the frustration, revealing the lack of proactive steps taken to address the escalating coyote issue.
Local reports from KCAL mentioned that officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Weights and Measures identified coyote dens near a residential area.
Across North America, coyotes are present in every state except Hawaii. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates a significant population of 250,000-750,000 coyotes within the state.
The Department highlights the ecological benefits of coyotes, including rodent control. However, conflicts could arise due to property damage, livestock threats, and potential dangers posed to pets and humans if coyotes lose their fear of people.
State officials attribute the increase in coyote encounters to human expansion into wildlife habitats, causing these animals to feel threatened or lose their natural wariness of humans.
For safety measures, residents are advised to keep pets leashed while outdoors, carry noisemakers to deter coyotes, and maintain distance if a coyote approaches. The Department recommends fighting back if direct contact occurs with a coyote.