Recent coyote sightings in Long Beach and surrounding areas have prompted Long Beach Animal Care Services to share safety and prevention tips when coming across these wild animals.

Though coyotes are most active at dusk and dawn, city officials stated the animals have successfully adapted to living in close proximity to humans.

In Long Beach, the most active coyote sightings occur along the San Gabriel River Bed/El Dorado Park and Heartwell Park area over to Clark Avenue, according to LBACS. Other areas include near Virginia Country Club and Bixby Knolls. 

Since the beginning of January, there have been about 90 reported sightings of coyotes and a few incidents of attacked animals, LBACS officials said. 

“Coyotes are found in every state of the nation, except for Hawaii,” according to the Humane Society of the United States. “It is important to learn techniques to compassionately co-exist with coyotes and protect yourself and your pets.”

Animal care officials recommend the following:

• Never feed coyotes or any other wildlife.
• Keep pets, especially cats and small dogs, and pet food inside. If feeding outside, feed pets during the day (no more than one hour) and remove the food bowls when finished.
• Stay close to your pet when taking them outdoors and always keep them on a leash, especially from dusk through early morning hours.
• Remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Bag food wastes such as meat scraps or leftover pet food.
• Keep trash in containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Use “hazing” techniques to shoo away coyotes, such as standing tall, yelling and waving arms while approaching the coyote; using a whistle, air horn, bell or other device; banging pots or pans together; stomping your feet; using a water hose, pepper spray, or throwing tennis balls or rocks at the coyote.
• Never run from a coyote.

Animal control officers respond to coyote calls if the coyote is sick or injured, out in the daytime in areas around people, especially children, such as parks or schools or anytime there is an attack or threatening behavior towards a person or pet, according to a press release.

To report Coyote Sightings you can email [email protected] or call Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562.570.7387(PETS) to determine if an Animal Control Officer is needed. If the coyote is posing an imminent threat to life, call 911.

This story was updated at 3:40PM on Tuesday, July 14, with information on recent coyote sightings.