Animal Control is on higher alert for coyotes

Deepa Bharath

Animal Control officers are closely monitoring coyotes after several

residents complained about disappearing pets and coyote sightings,

officials said.

The animals, which usually attack domestic pets such as small dogs

and cats, have “always been an issue in Costa Mesa,” Costa Mesa

Police Sgt. Clay Epperson said.

“But over the last few months, we’ve had several concerned

citizens call us,” he said. “That’s why we’re monitoring it more

closely.”

Earlier, the department took information from residents, Epperson

said.

“Now, we’re tracking it closely because we’ve got so many calls

about the problem,” he said.

Those living closer to wilderness or open spaces may encounter

more of a problem with coyotes, but in Costa Mesa they “are present

citywide,” Epperson said.

“We have coyotes in the Eastside, the bluffs and the Back Bay

area,” he said.

Epperson said police are trying to increase awareness in the

community about how to guard their pets against these predators.

“It’s important to scare away a coyote when you see one,” he said.

“That way, it doesn’t feel comfortable around you.”

The coyote problem usually escalates in the spring and summer

seasons, when they breed and hunt more often to feed their young

ones.

Also, the coyote, previously a creature of the wild, is becoming

increasingly comfortable in an urban environment, Epperson said.

“We recently had the instance of a coyote sleeping in someone’s

front lawn,” he said. “We had to tranquilize and then euthanize the

animal because of public safety issues.”

The best way to deal with the problem is to keep pets inside the

house during night time and the early morning hours, which is when

coyotes are usually on the prowl.

A coyote attacking a pet can be quite traumatic for a family,

Epperson said.

“Coyotes usually eat the insides,” Epperson said. “They usually

leave the carcass behind. So it’s horrible for the family to see

their pets killed like that.”

Police are also available to host informational neighborhood

meetings on the subject, Epperson said. Those interested may call

Epperson at (714) 754-5603.

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at deepa.bharath@latimes.com.