In recent days and weeks, there have been a large number of coyotes spotted in Rancho Cucamonga.
There is a sizable coyote population in the local foothills and in the areas of undeveloped chaparral at the periphery of Etiwanda and Alta Loma. Coyotes, while accustomed to human activity and less than fearful of people, instinctively avoid most human contact and do not often openly occupy areas frequented by large numbers of humans. They do, however, occasionally travel into and through urban areas where food and water are available, particularly during certain conditions or seasons, such as a drought when water is scarce.
It is believed, though not firmly established, that the coyotes seen recently in Rancho Cucamonga came south from the foothill area in reaction to the recent high wind conditions. It appears they migrated in or along or next to the flood control channels built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A large pack of coyotes, which remained in the area for several days, was seen in the area near Foothill Boulevard and Etiwanda Avenue earlier this week.
Coyotes are highly intelligent, social, adaptive and generally live in family groups. They will hunt in packs in established home range territories and outside that range when food is scarce. They pose a threat to cats, small dogs and both small and isolated large livestock. They will consume nearly anything, including rodents, rabbits, birds and eggs, reptiles, fruits and plants, as well as pet food, human food, and trash.
While not normally a danger to adults, coyotes will display defensive behavior if they feel threatened. They will eat human infants and small children. Packs of coyotes, if pushed to extremity by hunger, will attack isolated adult humans. Though such attacks are rare, certain behaviors in the presence of a coyote pack can increase danger. Running away will likely trigger the animals’ predatory reaction.