Del Rey Oaks issues coyote alert
Police in Del Rey Oaks are telling people to watch out for coyotes. The warning comes after a significantly large amount of them were spotted over the last month.
For Brad and Santosha Davis, the warning from police about coyotes is quite the shock.
“I am concerned, I didn’t realize there were coyotes here,” said Brad Davis.
The couple just moved to the Del Rey Oaks area with their little dog Melody.
“I am going to be a lot more careful with her (Melody) I didn’t know coyotes were a big issue here,” said Santosha Davis.
The coyotes have become a big enough problem in Del Rey Oaks for the city to alert neighbors.
“We just want residents to realize and understand that we do have coyotes in the area,” said Officer Bob Ingersoll with the city of Del Rey Oaks police department.
According to Ingersoll, a big hot spot for the coyotes is the city’s park because that is where their food is.
“We’ve got an abundance of food right now with all the squirrels and that’s mainly what the coyotes were seen carrying out of the park,” added Ingersoll.
Ingersoll told KION that he has met with the Department of Fish and Wildlife for advice on what can be done to keep coyotes away from the park and homes.
“You want to annoy them a little bit and make them not feel welcome,” said Ingersoll.
Ingersoll said you can do that by making a loud noise if you see one. You can use a whistle, air horn or just yell loudly. Also, don’t forget to keep trash can lids securely on. Plus, if you have small pets do not leave them out outside at night. If coyotes still are bothering you, you can throw small objects at them, like rocks.
“Anything to make them feel unwelcome,” said Ingersoll.
For small dogs like Melody, Santosha offers another idea in case you see one out of the trail.
“Pick her up or make a loud noise, that’s a good idea,” said Santosha.
If the problem gets any worse, the city said that the Department of Fish and Wildlife could come in to trap the animals and then release them somewhere else.
