Please watch out for your pets!!! Coyotes are out there.

Pet owners should beware of coyotes


After recent coyote attacks in surrounding cities, Mission Viejo Animal Services, which serves Aliso Viejo, is warning pet owners to beware of coyotes. Call 949-470-3045 immediately if any of the following occurs:

· Your pet is attacked or killed.

· Coyote is on your property or living close to your property.

· Coyote is acting unusually aggressive towards someone.

· You have been bitten by a coyote.

· Coyote is injured or appears sick.



Animal Services takes these situations seriously. Each report will be evaluated to determine if the coyote is behaving in an unusual manner or is a threat to human safety. Further action - including removing the animal - may be required.



People should always be aware of the presence of coyotes living within the community. Pet owners are encouraged to follow these safety practices and precautions:



· Be aware coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young.

· 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.

· Never feed coyotes.

· Never attempt to touch, pet or capture wildlife. These animals will bite to protect themselves.



Remember, coyotes are hunters seeking a food source. By nature, they are fearful of humans, but if coyotes have access to human food and garbage, their behavior changes and they can lose caution and fear.



For more information or to report coyote incidents, call Mission Viejo Animal Services at 949-470-3045.


There was one on my lawn the other night.. 10:45 at night. If I had walked out the front door with the dogs, not sure what would have happened.