Redondo Beach Police Warn of Coyote Sightings

REDONDO BEACH, CA -- Redondo Beach police on Thursday are warning residents to be vigilant after several coyote sightings have been reported in the city.

Several pets in the Redondo Beach have been killed by coyotes in the city in the past several months.

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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