Police Warn of Coyote Sighting in Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Police are warning residents about a coyote sighting Tuesday where a cat was killed sometime overnight in Redondo Beach.

The coyote killed the cat sometime between Monday and Tuesday in the area of Havemeyer Lane and Goodman Avenue, according to the Redondo Beach Police Department.

Coyotes are found throughout the county and do not need a "wild area" to survive, police said. They can thrive in urban areas and are most active from dusk to dawn, though some have been seen during the day.

Most coyotes in urban areas are the offspring of generations of coyotes who have lived there. They are attracted to neighborhoods due to the availability of garbage, pet food and pets upon which to prey, according to a Redondo Beach police statement.

Several South Bay cities have reported coyote sightings within the past few months.

Police encouraged residents who encounter coyotes to try to scare them away by standing tall, waving arms and yelling until the coyote runs away.

Residents were also urged to not leave small pets outside unattended, do not leave food or water outside, to keep garbage in tightly closed containers that can't be tipped over and avoid using bird feeders that attract rodents and other coyote prey.

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