Burbank Residents Inundated, Scared By Large Packs Of Coyotes

BURBANK (CBSLA.com) — Residents in one Burbank neighborhood are reporting that they have recently seen large packs of coyotes roaming freely around their neighborhood.

One resident of East Walnut Avenue told CBS2's Amy Johnson that he and his dog were chased by a pack recently.

The encounter was captured on home-surveillance video.

Nick Mendoza said he saw a pack of 15-20 animals. He says the encounter was scary; these coyotes were less wily and more hungry.

He said he was speaking out to warn neighbors and those who live nearby that the coyotes are posing a threat.

"It's really scary," says Mendoza. "Because I've never seen so many coyotes moving at one time."

He said he was walking his Newfoundland, Cody Bear, on Tuesday morning when he encountered the coyotes.

"When I was walking, I saw the four, circling, coming around," said Mendoza, "that's when I knew I was the prey. And when you're the prey, it's very scary."

The video shows Mendoza nervously pulling his dog and trying to sprint for his front door.

About 15 seconds later, four coyotes race into frame.

"I've never been chased by coyotes, ever," said Mendoza. "I hit the shovel [to the ground] and they dispersed. Two went one way, two went the other way."

Mendoza said he's lived in the neighborhood for more than a decade and has never seen packs of coyotes as he has seen of late.

Two days earlier, his camera captured a larger pack,  about 20 coyotes, racing through his yard.

"It's very unusual and scary," he said. "I've never seen so many coyotes, moving in a pack like that. They were hunting."

A coyote sighting in the neighborhood is not unusual. The neighborhood sits right next to the Verdugo Mountains.

Police said a pack of 3-4 is not unusual but that a pack of 15-20 is definitely out of the ordinary.

"They can run in packs together, " said Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department. "Nights, early mornings. They're looking for food; they're out looking for water."

Ryburn says if you encounter a pack, don't run.

"Get real large, pick up a shovel or pick up a rock. Protect yourself. But don't run. They could conceivably chase after you, especially that pack mentality," said Ryburn.

Authorities told Johnson the drought could be causing more of the coyotes to venture out looking for water.

They suggest to residents:

• Take in your animals at night.

• Also, take in your pets' food and water bowls as they can attract coyotes.