Coyotes are showing up more often across Los Angeles as drought and extreme heat push the animals into residential areas.

North Hollywood, Atwater Village and Tarzana have all seen increased activity. Spectrum News California reported Saturday, Aug. 29, that seasonal behavior is partly to blame, but this summer's repeated heat waves are compounding the problem. Downtown Los Angeles hit 98 degrees on Monday, Aug. 24, breaking a record set in 1931. A heat advisory took effect Friday, Aug. 28, for parts of the county.

The timing matters. May through September is pupping season, when adult coyotes guarding young become more aggressive, according to LA County Animal Care & Control. Domestic dogs are especially vulnerable during this window.

Neighborhoods on alert

In Atwater Village, a coyote that neighbors nicknamed "Wiley" has been roaming the area for months, chasing dogs, cats and children, CBS News Los Angeles reported on Aug. 11. Neighbors said someone had been feeding the animal, making it bolder.

Atwater Village resident Richard Dean told CBS News Los Angeles he never leaves home without an air horn. "I carry a baseball bat now when I take the trash out because he will sit in the front yard and sit on the front porch and stare at you," Dean said.

In Tarzana, a Ring camera captured two coyotes crossing paths with a bear on Aug. 24, just a few miles from Ventura Boulevard and the 101 Freeway, ABC7 Eyewitness News reported on X.

Feeding is illegal

LA Animal Services says healthy coyotes cannot simply be captured and relocated. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits relocation without written permission.

Feeding coyotes is a misdemeanor under both Los Angeles County Code Section 10.84.010 and Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 53.06.5, according to Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife (CLAW). CLAW also warns that removing or killing a coyote can create a "power vacuum," drawing younger coyotes into the territory and potentially increasing the local population.

How to stay safe

LA Animal Services advises residents to:

• Walk dogs on a leash at all times.
• Carry an air horn, walking stick or objects to throw.
• Pick up small pets and children immediately if a coyote appears.
• Keep cats indoors or in an enclosed outdoor area.
• Avoid setting a regular walking route near coyote-active areas.

The department hosts monthly virtual wildlife workshops led by its wildlife specialists. Residents can find the next session date at laanimalservices.com. For injured or distressed wildlife, call LA Animal Services at 888-452-7381.