May 18, 2007 10:40 pm US/Pacific
Officials Warn Coyote Interactions Can Be Ugly
LONG BEACH, Calif. (CBS) ―
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Coyotes, like the one pictured here, are reportedly becoming more aggressive in the Long Beach area, according to authorities.
CBS
The Long Beach Animal Control Division issued a warning Friday to minimize interactions between coyotes and people following several recent coyote sightings and reports of cats being killed.
Most of the problems have been in neighborhoods between the Long Beach Airport and El Dorado Park, according to Wesley Moore of the city's Animal Control Division.
The observation of wild animals is one benefit of living near open park spaces and wildlife habitats, but people should also realize they have responsibilities, Moore said.
While coyotes closely resemble small German shepherds, they hunt rabbits, mice and birds in the wild and also eat seeds, fruits and vegetables. In urban areas, they feed on pet food and garbage.
Coyotes quickly lose their natural fear of humans and become bold and even aggressive if people try to feed them, either deliberately or inadvertently, he said.
Moore also warned that small children should not be left unattended near coyote habitats, even in your own yard.
Clearing brush and weeds is also recommended to remove hiding spaces.
Moore also suggested walking your dog on a leash near coyotes habitats.
If you see a coyote, make loud noises, throw rocks or spray them with water.
"It is essential that coyotes retain their natural fear of humans," Moore said.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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