City Offers Tips to Keep Safe From Coyotes

With several and , the city wants to remind San Juan Capistrano residents to beware of coyotes.

It issued a press release Thursday afternoon:

Many cities around Orange County have seen higher numbers of the predators this summer. Most coyotes within the urban setting are the offspring of generations of coyotes that have lived and flourished in Orange County's urban areas.

Here are the tips the city offered 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.

For more information, call (949) 249-5160 or visit ocpetinfo.com. More information about coyotes is available at on the county's website.