NEWPORT BEACH : Coyote Alert Issued for Upper Bay Area

The Police Department has issued a rare coyote advisory this week warning residents living near the Upper Newport Bay that the predatory animals are becoming increasingly brazen.

Newport Beach Sgt. Andy Gonis said that a coyote approached to within several feet of a child recently not far from the bay and scampered away only when an adult appeared. There have also been two reported coyote attacks on dogs.

“It is a concern right now because of four coyotes that are very brazen,” Gonis said. “It may be because they are being displaced with development and (as a consequence) they are running across people more regularly.”

The advisory suggests that residents watch children and pets, especially in the early morning and early evening hours. Also, pet owners should feed their animals indoors and not leave food outside, which can attract hungry coyotes.

For people who might confront a coyote walking along Back Bay Drive, police suggest that pedestrians “let it know it is not welcome. Yell, throw rocks and create a disturbance to discourage the animal.”

In the meantime, the Police Department’s animal control officers are attempting to trap some or all of the fearless coyotes.

Gonis said officers would kill a coyote if it threatens people.