Drought, Warm Temps May Be To Blame For Rise In Coyote Attacks, Sightings

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — The drought and the unseasonable warm weather in California may be to blame for an increase in coyote attacks and sightings in Riverside.

A local animal trapper service told KCAL9's Crystal Cruz that animals are usually dormant in January, February and March, but so far, calls have been steady for all types of wildlife.

Some experts predict that due to the drought, people could see more animals close to homes as they search for food and water.

"There are several wild animals in the area. You'll see skunks, you'll see possums, but it has been coyotes for the most part," resident William Vargas said.

Vargas' dog's left leg had to be amputated after a suspected coyote attack.

"There have been neighbors in the area that have lost pets, as well," he said.

Vargas said he hears coyotes all the time and spotted one on his way to work recently.

"I happened to notice a coyote just running down the middle of the street here, so I jumped in my truck and chased it around the neighborhood, and once I got around the corner, it stopped, so I got out of the car and chased it on foot," he said.