FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2025 31
Coyote FYI. Although our committee
primarily talks about dogs, this article should
be read by cat owners too. Summer is upon us
which means more activity, more food, and
more water. This is true of humans, our pets,
and coyotes.
Coyotes range in size from 18 to 35 pounds,
and stand about 18 inches high, males being
larger than females. They can run up to 40
miles an hour and jump up to 13 feet to get
over a wall.
They breed in January and February, have
their litters in March and April. They care for
the pups March through August. Some pups
then move on by themselves, others stay for a
year or more learning how to hunt.
Coyote's diets are diverse and adaptable.
Rodents and rabbits are a large part of their
diet, but they will eat insects, fruits, berries,
and sometimes, small household cats and
dogs. Always go outside with your pet. Bring
large dogs in at night. It is strongly suggested
that you remove all outside food and water at
night to avoid attracting wild animals.
Canine Corral
Signs of increasingly aggressive coyote behavior:
• Increased coyote sightings on streets, parks, and yards in early morning, late
afternoon and night.
• Increase in coyotes approaching adults and/or taking pets at night.
• Coyotes attacking and taking pets on a leash or near owners.
• Coyotes acting aggressively towards adults in midday.
Coyotes are often sighted in our community. If you see a coyote, make yourself large,
wave arms, yell, and throw rocks. Always walk your pet on a leash, keeping it right by
your side. Avoid letting your pet get 10-15 feet ahead of you. If you have a small pet,
pick it up. Walk backwards watching the coyote as you move away. If you are on a trail,
quickly move to a street.
An aggressive coyote needs to be reported to animal control.
This is a summary of information from Pest Notes, Publication 74135, University of
California Agriculture and Natural Resources March 2007.
Please keep your pet safe. ~ Martha Franck, Co-Chair, (714) 345-8588