It\u2019s that time of year again when coyote sightings increase and officials offer tips on how to keep them away from homes.<\/p>\n
The reason you\u2019re more likely to see coyotes in many parts of Southern California later this month isn\u2019t surprising: coyote breeding season typically runs from late January through March. Knowing this can help residents and pet owners prepare in advance.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring this time, adult coyotes travel long distances in search of mates and food sources, resulting in more sightings,\u201d the Huntington Beach Police Department posted Tuesday<\/a>.<\/p>\n A coyote attack on a toddler near Huntington Beach Pier made headlines in April 2022, not long after the typical mating season. A family was out by the pier around 9:45 p.m. when the 2-year-old girl was attacked<\/a>.<\/p>\n The coyote bit the girl and knocked her down, leaving her with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Huntington Beach police officers were called to the scene, where they found two coyotes nearby and shot them both.<\/p>\n That same year, the city issued its Coyote Management Plan<\/a> to help the community safely coexist with urban coyotes.<\/p>\n Coyotes, which are native to California, eat a broad range of small animals, including mice, rats and gophers. \u201cRodents make up a majority of their diet. In the process, they control the population sizes of these animals, many of which are considered pests to humans,\u201d the city\u2019s plan states.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, urban coyotes are also known to go after small pets or even children and can be attracted into neighborhoods by pet food, unsecured compost or trash, and fallen fruit.<\/p>\n What you can do to prepare:<\/p>\n Cut back vegetation that may create hiding places and shelters.<\/p>\n Quickly harvest ripe or fallen fruit and vegetables.<\/p>\n Pick up trash and keep lids closed.<\/p>\n Keep garbage inside a garage or secure building until pickup day.<\/p>\n Pet owners are urged not to leave small dogs outside unattended, as they may be seen as potential prey.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is important to either keep dogs on a six-foot-long or shorter leash when outdoors or to stay within six feet of them when on your property. Coyotes may view a dog on a leash longer than six feet as an unattended pet,\u201d officials said.<\/p>\n Protect cats and small dogs from coyotes:<\/p>\n Keep them primarily indoors.<\/p>\n When outside, accompany them or keep them on a leash or harness.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might prey on the cats,\u201d officials said. \u201cThese concerns are well-founded, as coyotes can be attracted to outdoor pet food.\u201d<\/p>\n More information, including a checklist to make your home uninviting to coyotes, is available on the Coyote Management Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n