Police Department Offers Tips in Dealing with Coyotes

From the Manhattan Beach Police Department:

Over the past few weeks, the Manhattan Beach Police Department’s Animal Control has received several calls regarding sightings of a coyote in the residential areas.

On Sept. 19 at approximately 11:30 p.m., a coyote was sighted in the area of 19th Street and Pine Avenue. Although Animal Control officers responded, no coyote was found.

On Sept. 20, at approximately 10:30 a.m, a resident called to report a coyote seen with a cat in its mouth the previous night. The caller was from the 500 block of 31st Street. Animal Control officers did not locate a coyote, but did find a deceased cat in Sand Dune Park.

On Sept. 26, an Animal Control officer observed a coyote in the backyard of a vacant residence, in the 900 block of Duncan Place. The coyote displayed no signs of aggression and was monitored for approximately one hour. Later that day, the coyote moved east toward Sepulveda Boulevard.

Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified and reports were submitted regarding the coyote sightings. In addition, representatives met with MBPD Animal Control to provide educational information and support.

Department of Fish and Wildlife states:

• Coyotes cannot be trapped except by a licensed trapper. Trapped coyotes are then euthanized.
• Relocating a problem coyote is not an option because it only moves the problem to another neighborhood and into another animal’s territory.
• Coyotes are nocturnal by nature, but will be out during the day if being fed (intentionally or unintentionally).

Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends:

• Stay away from a coyote and if you come in contact make loud noises and “become large.”
• Do not leave pets or pet food outside.
• Pick up fallen fruit, cover compost piles and place garbage in tightly closed containers.

For more information, please visit www.keepmewild.org or call MBPD Animal Control 310-802-5160.

PHOTO Patch file photo.