Coyotes in neighborhood? No need to worry.

BY Kelly Lopez

Coyote sightings are not uncommon in Canyon Lake. Considering the small and spread-out city is mostly surrounded by BLM land and other rural landscape, it is not surprising to see occasional wildlife roaming the streets.

Over the past few months, more than a few residents have seen coyotes trotting around Canyon Lake without what seems like a care in the world. Recently coyotes have been spotted at Sierra Park, and running down Meadowlark, Yellow Gold, Blue Teal and other Canyon Lake streets.

Although the animals strike fear in most, they are generally harmless to humans, especially when dealt with properly. Coyotes are nocturnal animals and if someone catches a rare glimpse of one it is most likely that it is traveling from one part of its territory to another, in search of prey.

If a coyote happens to be seen in daylight, proper precaution should be followed. Generally, coyotes are scared of humans and will run the other way if they see one. This is normal behavior for the animal. If a coyote is spotted, do not turn and run, otherwise its predator instinct might cause it to chase.

If a coyote does not turn from humans, it usually means it has become habituated. That means it has come to depend on humans for food, to some degree. Coyotes that seem strangely tame should not be trusted. Coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare, but have happened, sometimes while being fed. Coyotes should never be fed by people.

If a coyote gets too close, scare tactics should be used to make the animal fear humans.

Taking more caution with pets is what is imperative. It’s the small animals that coyotes are hunting down at night. Since a coyote wandering through neighborhoods most likely means he is looking for food, pet owners need to be consistent in protecting their cat or dog.

One of the rare ways humans do get injured by coyotes has been when they attempt to rescue their pets that are being attacked.

Keeping pets safe is best for everyone involved. At night especially, cats and dogs should be kept indoors in order to keep them safe.