Coyote attacks: Pet owners warned after reports of dead cats in Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, Calif. (KGO) – When it comes to coyotes and pets, wildlife advocates say it’s just not worth the risk.

“Bring your pets indoors, keep them on a leash when walking, and prevent access to anything that might attract coyotes,” said Krysten Kellum, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Due to coyote sightings, parks in San Francisco are temporarily closing, including Saint Mary’s Rec Center Field and the dog area at Mountain Lake Park in the Presidio.

VIDEO: Family of five coyotes, including three pups, spotted playing on a baseball field in San Francisco

Less than three weeks ago, a five-year-old girl was attacked by a coyote in the city’s botanical garden in Golden Gate Park.

In the East Bay, Pleasanton police are advising people to keep their pets indoors after receiving several reports of dead cats as a result of coyote attacks.

“Coyotes can stay in their dens and raise their young until August, so that could be a factor,” Kellum said. “You should avoid walks at dawn and dusk or at night. That’s when coyotes are more active.”

There have been recent reports on social media of coyote sightings in the Pleasanton Valley neighborhood and even on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton.

Pleasanton police did not elaborate, but the department’s warning states: “Wildlife, including coyotes, are our neighbors and it is important to learn to coexist with them.”

MORE: 3 coyotes shot, killed after 5-year-old attacked at SF Botanical Garden

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises taking action if you encounter a coyote.

“Try to scare the coyote away, wave your arms, make noise, be big and mean and loud, we say,” she said. “Don’t make the coyote feel trapped, you should always leave an escape route open.”

If the coyote makes contact with you or any of your pets, you are asked to call animal control or 911 immediately.