Watch coyote play with soccer ball at Running Springs home – NBC Los Angeles

The backyard of a Southern California mountain home isn’t among North America’s 2026 World Cup venues, but it has provided the stage for an unusual soccer highlights reel.

For several weeks, a playful coyote regularly visits to show off its soccer skills in the backyard of the Running Springs residence in the San Bernardino County mountains east of Los Angeles.

Ring security camera video showed the lone coyote playing with a soccer ball, flipping it in the air with a deft touch of the snout, performing spin moves worthy the No. 10 jersey and chasing the ball down like a backtracking defender saving his team from a corner kick.

“What’s got me is he throws it up in the air, then chases after it, then brings it back up to the grass,” Dan, the homeowner, said. “I know it’s not friendly. I’m not going to go out there and interact with it, but I love looking out the window.”

The homeowner told NBCLA the same coyote has been coming back for weeks, just to play with the soccer ball.

Dan said he placed the camera in the backyard to watch the abundant wildlife in the mountains east of Los Angeles. He ended up with what he estimates to be about two hours of the coyote’s solo practice sessions.

Dan told NBCLA he gives the coyote its space, watching the showcase of raw soccer talent from inside his house.

A few coyote safety tips.

Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to small children.Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young.If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office.Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside.Avoid using bird feeders as they attract rodents and other coyote prey.Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other livestock.Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.