Multiple Coyote Sightings In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The city of Laguna Beach's coyote population has been more than a little active this week. Multiple coyote sightings have occurred across the city, according to Laguna Beach Animal Services, who remain vigilant after a coyote was thought to have attacked a 91-year-old resident last Friday.

On Friday, the resident was picking up his paper at his Oak Street and Temple Terrace home when the coyote attacked, according to Laguna Beach Police.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital with a "significant" bite. Meanwhile, Game and Fish wardens searched for the coyote Friday, to no avail.

As of Monday, the man was home and recovering, Sgt. Jim Cota of the Laguna Beach Police Department tells Patch. The responsible coyote has not been found.

The attack incident was the most extreme of many sightings that have occurred in Laguna as of late.

Now, more than ever, it is important to remain coyote safe in Laguna Beach.

The city released a statement saying that it is the nature of Laguna's topography that lends to coyote's level of comfort in our city.

"Due to the brushy canyon areas and natural 'den' type rock formations, our hillsides provide an attractive environment for coyotes and other animals," a city spokesperson said in a released statement. "Coyotes do not require open space to survive, and have successfully adapted to living near humans."

On Sunday, coyotes were sighted in the area of Rembrandt Drive and Van Dyke Drive shortly before 10 a.m.

Multiple coyotes were sighted on the 800 block of Summit Drive at 10:30 a.m., according to police reports. In both cases, coyotes were not located by officials.

Another coyote call occurred after 7 p.m. in the area of Oriole Drive and Smith Way. That case was turned over to Laguna Beach Animal Services.

Most coyotes within the urban setting are the offspring of generations of coyotes that have lived and flourished in Orange County's urban areas.

Here are the tips to keep you and your pets safe:

• Never get friendly with coyotes.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal's direction.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Do not allow cats outdoors to roam (day or night).
• Do not use a retractable leash—a leash should be no more than 6 feet. This allows you to be in control of your pet and ensures it's close to you at all times.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery and clear brush near your home to reduce places where coyotes live and hide.
• Keep pet rabbits in suitable cages.
• Keep tight covers on all trash containers, and put trash out on collection day at the latest opportunity.
• Never leave water or pet food outside.
• Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water.
• Never feed coyotes.
• Never attempt to touch, pet or capture wildlife. These animals will bite to protect themselves.