In response to multiple coyote sightings in Culver City neighborhoods recently, the Culver City Police Department will conduct a community presentation next Wednesday to explain how residents can protect their families and pets from these wild animals.

The program about coyote management will take place June 13 at 7 p.m., at the Linwood E. Howe Cafeteria, 4100 Irving Place. Culver City Police Chief Scott Bixby is inviting all residents to attend the program and heed all the police warnings about the coyotes.

Coyotes are wild animals, police officials said. Anyone sighting a coyote is advised to be extremely cautious.

"They are smart, fast, and will take what they can get," according to Culver City Animal Services.

In recent days, coyotes have been sighted in the neighborhoods of Culver Crest, Lindberg Park, and Carlson Park. The sightings were reported directly to the Culver City Police Department, as well as posting warnings on social media.

Coyotes were last seen in Culver City several years ago, starting in the Culver Crest area, with sightings in Lindberg Park. CCPD has created a program for coyote management in response to those sightings

In addition to calls to CCPD, residents have posted warnings on Culver City's unofficial Facebook page, the Culver City Next Door internet group, and on Twitter.

Coyotes may come out any time, day or evening. Police are warning the public not to entice, or approach them. Coyotes have been known to chase bikers and joggers, people walking dogs, and small children.

In case you think they're cute, police have specifically urged residents: "NEVER FEED COYOTES."

Here's what Animal Services officials said you should know about coyotes:

* There have been fewer than 300 attacks on humans by coyotes in California's history.

* Most injuries to people by coyotes were provoked by a person feeding the coyote.

* Coyotes can make 11 distinct vocal sounds; what might sound like six coyotes in a group may only be two.

* Coyotes do not always live in a hole in the ground. They will den in crawl spaces under homes, in dense vegetation, under cactus patches, and even underneath freeways. They will den on land between homes, such as drainage ditches or vacant properties.

* Coyotes with young are usually seen March through September, and may hold their ground - so keep your distance.

* Coyotes are curious. They may follow a person as more of a posture than aggression.

* Anyone who puts out food for wild animals is in violation of the law (LA County Code 10.84.010). Putting out food for wild animals, then walking away isn't merely littering; if you see anyone doing this, it should be reported to Culver City Animal Services.

http://www.dental50plus.com/143 #6258">

What should you do if you see a coyote?

1 Do NOT turn and run. Running may make the coyote chase you. Coyotes can sprint up to 40 miles/hour.

2 NEVER let a coyote go by without trying to scare it.

3 Teach children never to approach coyotes, just as you'd warn them about stray dogs.

What you can do?

Raise your arms and wave coyotes away, to make yourself appear bigger. Put your jacket or belt on your head, yelling in a loud, low tone at the coyote.

Stomping your foot and clapping your hands will also scare coyotes.

The June 13 presentation "will give a lot of information on how to react if you see a coyote," advised Culver Police Lieutenant Troy Dunlap. "I encourage all residents to attend."