San Pedro coyotes raise concern

The Corner Store in San Pedro was packed with locals worried about the growing number of coyotes moving into their neighborhoods.

LA Animal Services Officer Hoang Dinh tells the residents he's had reports of the increasing number moving down into San Pedro and says they are monitoring the situation.

Councilman Joe Buscaino, who represents this area, says he's introduced a motion to ratchet up coyote education in LA to try and help residents better deal with the critters.

There are an estimated 750,000 coyotes in California. As we move into summer Officer Dinh says coyotes do tend to move more into our neighborhoods. They're hungry and thirsty and, given the drought, they are looking to our areas for their nourishment.

Most importantly, he tells FOX 11, it's important to keep pets inside and doors closed when there are coyotes roaming neighborhoods. Dog and cat food is a big clue to the coyotes that there is food nearby in the form of someone's pets.

Shannon Ross with the neighborhood council is tracking the coyote sightings. She organized the Wednesday night meeting. She's not for or against the animals. She says they are indigenous to the area and we and they should learn how to get along with each other. That is the goal of Councilman Buscaino's motion.

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