Within one week, there have been three seperate coyote attacks on young children and toddlers in in San Bernardino County. Because of this the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Animal Care and Control Program has made a list of Do’s and Don’ts for people to help protect the little ones around us.

The coyotes have been on the attack mainly due to a lack of water and food supplies, and urban sprawl. There are also many new young pups that have just been born and have began to hunt which raises levels of competition as their food supply is shrinking.

Coyotes are adaptable predators that adjust quickly to new environments. They have become tolerant of human activities and are no longer as afraid of humans. As a coyote pup grows older and the competition for food sources increases, it is likely that a coyote’s natural aversion to people will change.

To avoid problems and to keep you and your family safe, people should observe the following “Do and don’t” guidelines:

Do

• Do remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Do feed your pets indoors or pick up uneaten food as soon as your pet is finished.
• Do trim ground level scrubs to reduce hiding places.
• Do pick up fallen fruit & cover compost piles.
• Do have adequate fencing and enclosures (to keep your pets in and wildlife out).
• Do install motion sensor lights
• Do vaccinate your dog and cat for rabies.

Don’t

• Don’t leave your children, cats, or small dogs outside unattended.
• Don’t attempt to make a pet out of visiting wildlife.
• Don’t feed or otherwise encourage a coyote’s dependency on humans.
• Don’t allow your pets to run loose.
• Don’t attempt to tame a coyote.
• Don’t put trash out long before the scheduled pickup.

Residents are reminded that coyotes are predatory animals that may view small children and small animals as possible prey.

For further information you may contact the San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control Program at 1-800-472-5609.

Photo by emdot

(Rate this article!)

 Loading ...

Check out these popular stories

• Valley Food: Barney’s Burgers Bring Gourmet to the Mall
• Weird Food Wednesday: Not So Much This Week
• Photo Essay: Kenenth Hahn State Park
• Cooking in LA: The Breakfast Burrito
• Southland Concert Preview: Marilyn Manson, Velvet Revolver, Shadow and More