Uptick In Coyote Sightings Prompts Warning From Beverly Hills Police

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — A recent uptick in coyote sightings in Beverly Hills prompted police this week to issue tips to residents about how to stay safe.

The warning comes after the end of "pup season," which ran from late summer through the end of September. That marks the time period where young coyotes go off on their own — prior to that, there's increased activity around coyote dens, LAist reported.

"The Beverly Hills Police Department has received reports of recent coyote sightings in Beverly Hills," police wrote in a statement.

Beverly Hills isn't the only place that has seen an uptick in coyote sightings. In Pasadena, coyote sightings reported to the city increased by 70 percent during the first eight months of the year compared to the same period last year, the Pasadena Star-News reported.

Authorities say coyotes generally avoid people, but residents should abide by the following tips in order to stay safe:

• Do not approach or attempt to feed coyotes
• Keep small pets indoors or in secure enclosures
• Secure trash, remove fallen fruit and don't leave pet food outside
• Close crawl spaces and thin out ground shrubs to reduce hiding spots for coyotes

Residents can contact LA Animal Control at 310-207-3266 if they spot a coyote and should avoid calling 911 unless there's an immediate threat, police said.