Santa Clarita residents have reported that they have been seeing coyotes out-and-about recently, even in broad daylight. That is because it is the coyotes’ mating season.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said that coyotes’ mating seasons are around January through March.
“This is a time of year where they are more active. That could lead to them kind of wandering out into areas where they might not normally be in search of mates,” said Cort Klopping, information specialist for Fish and Wildlife.
Klopping said that the male and female adults are usually the ones out around this time and that the juveniles are out around September through November during “pup-leaving season.”
Coyotes are seen out-and-about because of mating season. Signal file photo.
He added that coyotes can typically be spotted during dusk or dawn.
Klopping said that people who encounter coyotes during this time need to be more alert.
“One, you want to make sure that you’re keeping eye contact with that animal. You don’t want it to think that you’re not aware of it … you don’t run either, because that could trigger a coyote’s chase instinct. So that could be an issue as well,” Klopping said. “So, you just want to make sure that you’re keeping safe distance, you back away slowly while maintaining eye contact, and then just don’t run.”
He said that if issues occur during an encounter with coyotes to call 911 or L.A. County Animal Care and Control to help.
When asked what tips Klopping had for residents, he said bring small pets inside, keep small children close, keep animals on a leash, do not leave trash or pet food outside — and if residents have bird feeders, they should be careful because squirrels and birds are prey to coyotes.
Coyotes are seen out-and-about because of mating season. Signal file photo.