South Bay Police Warn Of Increase In Coyote Sightings Following Breeding Season

EL SEGUNDO, CA — It's rearing season, meaning there may be more new young coyote pups learning the ropes around the South Bay over the next few months.

The El Segundo Police Department issued a warning Tuesday to community members, saying there may be more coyote sightings along the sand dunes area between Maple and Palm Avenues between July and October.

"If you’re walking along the sand dunes or in areas where coyotes may be raising their young, give them space," the ESPD said in a post on social media. "You might notice a behavior called 'escorting' — when a coyote follows at a distance to guide you away from their den."

Coyotes mate between January and February. After a 63-day gestation period, they start birthing their pups between March and May.

Many people, according to the ESPD, may think coyotes going out during the day means they're sick or rabid, but they're "working overtime" to feed the hungry pups.

During the rearing season, young coyotes stay behind to take care of the pups and protect them to ensure their survival. Between November and December, the young coyotes leave their family groups to establish their own territories and packs.

The ESPD says people should keep their pets leashed when near coyote habitats, don't approach the pups or consider altering walking routes. The department asks that anyone who thinks a coyote is posing a direct threat to human safety call 911.

Coyotes are known to live in areas such as prairies or deserts, but they can adapt to urban environments and thrive in metropolitan areas.

Most often, factors such as increased coyote populations, droughts, and habitat displacement due to urban development may be factors drive the animal to these areas.

Recently, nearby Redondo Beach established a new plan to address its own uptick in coyote activity.

The plan teaches people how to coexist with the coyote while still prioritizing public safety, according to Redondo Beach city officials.

"Urban coyotes are here to stay," Redondo Beach officials said in a statement in the Coyote Management & Response Plan. "While many fear an attack from coyotes, such incidents are rare and fatalities are rarer still."