Coyotes spotted coming into neighborhoods in La Quinta
A word of warning for pet owners and people with small children. Residents in the La Quinta Cove area are spotting more coyotes than normal during the day.
Videos and pictures have been taken showing a coyote running down the sidewalk in a residential area and a coyote in the area near the La Quinta Community Fitness Center Park where kids often play.
Coyote tracks can be seen in the sand around the park. These wild animals are pretty common, and some people may have started a bad relationship with coyotes in this area.
“We used to be able to hear coyotes up in the canyons, and we heard stories of older guys feeding them meat. Of course that was frowned upon,” said Steven Hernandez who used to live in La Quinta.
Dogs and cats left outside are the most vulnerable to attack from coyotes.
“I think that all dogs should be in the house except to go out and go potty,” said Kathleen Rucker who owns a 13-year-old blind Chihuahua.
People might be seeing more coyotes because of the time of year.
“Especially during the summer time when it’s hot and there is limited water and limited resources, that’s when the coyotes will come in from the mountains and be looking for animals,” said Allison Bradshaw, a veterinarian at Village Park Animal Hospital in La Quinta.
If you see a coyote in your neighborhood remember to give this wild animal plenty of space. The animal will most likely run away. Also remember to never leave pet food out where coyotes can get to it.
If you want to report seeing a coyote in your area you can contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife Services at 760-431-9440. Riverside County Animal Control only responds to coyotes that are caught in traps.
