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Pets Make Easy Targets For Coyotes in Mount Washington and Highland Park

Coyotes have been spotted hunting for food during the early morning hours.

An increased number of coyotes are on the prowl in Highland Park and Mount Washington this summer, putting the lives of local house pets in danger, according to the 's Animal Welfare Committee.

Two cats were snatched by a coyote from a Highland Park backyard on Monday night, according to Mark Legassie, director of the animal welfare committee.

The incident took place on Joy Street, near N. Ave. 50 and Marmion Way, by the railroad tracks.

“I drop off food for the cats that [the homeowner] has been feeding to them. I just happened to be bringing food over when she mentioned what happened,” Legassie said.

Legassie called the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services (LAAS) on behalf of the homeowner, and said he was informed by a receptionist that the attack was caused by the homeowner feeding the coyotes.

Legassie said he disagrees with that assessment.

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"I’m not an expert, but I know enough about coyotes. I know they are not feeding them. What’s happening is there’s more coyotes, period. They are hungry and they’re getting more and more daring,” he added. “There are coyotes out every night between 2 and 5 a.m. and they aren’t scared of people. They’re coming up real close.”

Los Angeles Animal Services Wildlife Specialist Gregory Randall said that increased rainfall has contributed to the rise in the local coyote population.

In an e-mail to the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, Randall provided a variety of mitigation tips.

Randall said that in a chance encounter with a coyote, homeowners should attempt to make themselves appear larger by raising and waving their arms, not turning and running away.

“It is important to make adjustments around our homes to make them less inviting to wildlife. Things like pet food outside, fallen fruit from trees, composted human food items, etc. will attract animals,” Randall wrote in the email.

“Small dogs and children in areas where coyotes are known to frequent should not be left unattended,” he added.

It’s also recommended to keep a ‘scare kit’ readily available. Contents in the ‘scare kit’ should include objects that will make loud noises, such as a whistle, air horn, pots and pans to bang on and a camera with a flash. Additionally, stomping feet and clapping loudly can work just as effectively, Randall said.

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According to Legassie, coyotes frequent the area near Hermon Community Church due to its proximity to Debs Park, where they have been known to live.

Hermon Community Church Senior Pastor Manny Martinez said he's noticed an increased number of coyotes in the neighborhood, as well.

“A couple of months ago we saw an alpha male at the top of the hill, he howled and then out of nowhere, six or seven of them are coming out of different driveways,” Martinez said.  “So they must have come down looking for food and digging in trash cans. Every now and then we get a couple of them that will come into the empty lot next to the church or we will see them on the street."

Legassie said,  “The best things to do [are to] bring all pets inside at night and remove all food. If you’re feeding a cat outside, after it’s done eating remove anything that is left over, same thing with a dog.”

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