Coyote & Rattlesnake Helpful Hints

Please be aware there have been coyote sightings recently in the neighborhood so be sure to restrain your pets! If you do see a coyote roaming the neighborhood you may call Animal Control at (949) 492-1617 to report the activity.  

Important Information about Coyotes

Coyote Breeding Season is here by Coyotes In Orange County

California Coyotes have a single annual breeding season, which runs from late January to early March.

Coyotes have a gestation period of 60 to 63 days, an average of about six pups is born in a burrow. The litter may be anywhere from 1 to 19 pups!
The female will stay in the den during gestation and to raise the pups. It is important to be aware that they will protect their den.

If they mate in January, pups can be expected as early as March. At this point the male will hunt for food. Later the male and female will take shifts hunting for food to feed their pups taking turns at times to hunt at night and day.

If any new neighbors have moved into your neighborhood, please kindly inform them of the risks of leaving their pets out, to not leave food around and to take caution when walking their dogs.

How To Keep Coyote Safe In Orange County by Ashley Ludwig, Patch Staff
Here are the tips to keep you and your pets safe:
• Never get friendly with coyotes.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Do not allow cats outdoors to roam (day or night).
• Do not use a retractable leash—a leash should be no more than 6 feet. This allows you to be in control of your pet and ensures it’s close to you at all times.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery and clear brush near your home to reduce places where coyotes live and hide.
• Keep pet rabbits in suitable cages.
• Keep tight covers on all trash containers, and put trash out on collection day at the latest opportunity.
• Never leave water or pet food outside.
• Eliminate potential food and water sources, such as fallen fruit and standing water.
• Never feed coyotes.
• Never attempt to touch, pet or capture wildlife. These animals will bite to protect themselves.

Although the beauty of our wildlife is a wonderful thing, sometimes problems do occur. To help keep wildlife problems to a minimum we ask you to keep all sources of food out of the yard. Keep trash lids secure. You can also use rags soaked in ammonia, mothballs or cayenne pepper around the yard.

For more tips on wildlife you can visit the California Fish and Game website for more information.

For More Information Please visit the following websites:

www.dfg.ca.gov  | www.keepmewild.org “1 | http://animals.bryantx.gov/suburban-coyotes/

Rattlesnake Information

There have been recently sightings of rattlesnakes on some of the hiking trails and areas of Dana Point. Please keep alert and be on the look out when hiking. Local Animal Control is the appropriate place to report concerns.

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