Warnings made about coyotes

Deepa Bharath

NEWPORT BEACH -- It’s that time of the year again.

Public safety officials are warning residents about the presence of

coyotes, which are at the peak of their hunting season about now.

Newport Beach Animal Control officers have put out a general coyote

bulletin to educate residents about how to guard their pets against the

creatures.

The problem has always existed in Newport Beach, said Animal Control

Officer Jamye Rogers.

“We do have several coyotes in the Back Bay area,” she said. “But

these animals are urban and can travel four, six or even 10 miles.”

Rogers said the city usually gets several reports of coyote sightings

and attacks in the spring.

“Between February and May, coyotes are usually mating, hunting and

teaching their young ones to hunt,” she said. “So it is a very active

time.”

In March, residents on San Bernardino Avenue, a street that adjoins

Cliff Park, reported coyote sightings to the city. As late as fall last

year, Back Bay residents said they lost several pets to coyote attacks.

Officials suggest residents take the following steps to protect

themselves and their pets from coyotes:

* Do not feed coyotes.

* Fence off animal enclosures.

* Keep cats and small dogs indoors or in the close presence of an

adult.

* Store trash in covered heavy-duty containers with secure lids.

* Keep yards free from potential shelter, such as thick brush, weeds,

wood piles or excess debris.

* Keep property well lighted at night.

* Keep small children under close adult supervision at all times.

For more information, call Newport Beach Animal Control at (949)

644-3717.