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Health & Fitness

COYOTES IN THE SUMMER TIME

Increase In Coyote Attacks During The Summer in both Los Alamitos & Rossmoor

COYOTES IN THE SUMMER TIME

By David Lara, Founder Rossmoor Predator Management Team

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For maturing coyotes cubs, this is the time of year for them to develop learning how to independently hunt and establish their own territory. Coyotes can live in an area of less than ½ mile in an urban setting. Unfortunately, two recent attacks have occurred in both Rossmoor and Los Alamitos. This should remind all residents that this time of the year is most dangerous for both your children as well as your pets. The warm and pleasant Summer nights falsely provide comfort to families allowing their children to play outside unaccompanied in evening hours as well as letting their pets sleep outdoors.

The common denominator of the June coyote attack and the July coyote killing were late night or early morning hours, and pet owners not inspecting their yards for the presence of wildlife. Unknowingly, both owners would never have imagined a wild animal waiting to prey on their unsuspecting dog. Simply being near your pet is not a safeguard against a coyote. The June attack in Rossmoor, occurred with the dog owner feeling very secure in standing close to her pet while they were outside in their backyard. The coyote emerged from it’s hiding place under the bushes and in less than a minute, viciously attacked a Maltese/poodle mix dog. The dog survived the attack but from an economical standpoint, the devastation also occurred in the pet owner receiving an $1100 vet bill.

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The July attack on Rochelle in Los Alamitos left a very emotionally traumatized family in witnessing the killing of their 6 pound Pomeranian as well as seeing it being carried off in the coyote’s mouth.

To avoid the above trauma to your family, it is recommend that in entering your backyard in the early morning or evening hours to allow your pet to relieve itself, the following measures should take place:

  • Turn on your backyard lights and make a visual inspection of your property for wildlife.
  • Carry a stick, golf club or bat in your hand while making your property inspection.
  • Do not be silent. Make a noise either by dragging your stick or stepping hard on pavement.
  • Place your pet on a leash so that, in the event a coyote is present, you can quickly pull your pet to safety. 

Remember, coyotes often return to where an attack or killing has occurred. A number of residents have decided to construct an enclosed coyote proof kennel. This kennel would contain a tunnel, also enclosed, from your home to your yard and dog shelter. Since recommending this coyote safeguard, other residents in our community have also installed it for the security of their pets.

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