With temperatures becoming warmer, Santa Clarita residents could see more coyotes as they become more active and are looking for food, officials said.

During the spring and summer months, wildlife of all types begin to come out and become more active, said Russell Kimura, the regional park superintendent with the Placerita Nature Center.

“Lately I have been seeing a coyote coming by our office who seems to be getting skinny,” Kimura said. “I believe that is due to a lack of game.”

The main food that coyotes live off of are squirrels, rabbits, skunks, snakes and other rodents, according to wildlife officials.

Due to recent years of drought and fire, the rodent population has decreased, forcing coyotes to leave their main habitats and come down into more populated areas to look for food.

“The water isn’t the issue,” Kimura said. “With the recent rains, the creeks are still flowing. Coyotes are more in search of food.”

See Related: Santa Clarita Wildlife Expert Offers Advice For Coyote Coexistence

Despite coyotes being in residential areas, typically they will avoid humans, according to officials.

“If coyotes didn’t fear humans, they wouldn’t be around still,” Kimura said.

However, if Santa Clarita residents do cross paths with a coyote, here are some tips to follow to avoid conflict with the animal and to keep them away from your house:

1.  Put garbage in tightly closed containers that can’t be tipped over
2.  Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates
3.  Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside
4.  Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry, etc.
5.  Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles
6.  Don’t leave children or pets unattended
7.  Walk pets on a short leash
8.  If followed, make loud noises or throw rocks into their direction.
9.  Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house
10. Ask your neighbors to follow these tips

To view animal profiles with tips for specific species native to California, visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife website by clicking here.

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