Coyotes in the
City of Los Alamitos

Coyotes look like small dogs, weighing between 20 and 45 pounds.  They are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and vegetation.  They are highly intelligent and very adaptable.

In recent months, there have been several sightings of coyotes in Los Alamitos. The remains of domestic cats and small dogs that fell victim to these coyotes have been found throughout the City and in Rossmoor.

In urban areas coyotes live in storm drains, vacant lots, parks, military bases, and on golf courses.  Their home range can be as large as 12 square miles.

Although the coyotes in Los Alamitos primarily utilize the flood control channels to traverse the city, they are frequently seen running on residential streets.

Coyotes are most active at night but can be seen moving around at any time of the day.  Most of the sightings in Los Alamitos occur at, or just before, dawn.

Although coyotes are solitary animals, they may form packs as population densities increase or where food is abundant such as in urban areas.

Reducing human-coyote conflicts:

Reducing human-coyote conflicts:   Continued

Reducing human-coyote conflicts:    Continued

The sudden increase in local coyote sightings is likely due to a disturbance in their habitat, possibly related to changes in or around the wetlands.

Although coyote attacks on humans are rare, they can occur. If followed by a coyote, make loud noises.  If that fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction. If you think you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

If you would like more information, or if you have a persistent coyote problem in your neighborhood, contact:

California Dept of Fish and Game
 at (562)342-7100
or
Los Alamitos Police Department
at (562) 594-7232.