Coyotes are increasingly turning up in neighborhoods across Southern California, and people in Playa Del Rey, Santa Monica, Del Rey and Pasadena are noticing them more often.
Local officials and recent news reports confirm a rise in sightings as the animals move through streets, backyards and parks, especially during this time of year when breeding activity increases.
In Santa Monica, city officials linked a noticeable spike in sightings north of Montana Avenue to wildlife displaced by the Palisades Fire in January 2025, which pushed animals out of their traditional habitat and into urban areas in search of food and shelter.
They’ve offered guidance on coexistence with coyotes, noting that while the animals are naturally wary of people, they are becoming more visible in residential zones.
In the Del Rey neighborhood, residents have reported seeing coyotes along Ballona Creek and into streets where the animals were not commonly observed before.
Experts pointed out that the current mating season can make coyotes more mobile and vocal, contributing to increased sightings.
Social media posts from this week show a coyote strolling down Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena at dusk, ignored by passersby and pets alike, underscoring how these predators are now part of everyday life in some communities.
Coyotes are highly adaptable canines native to North America that have expanded into cities because urban environments offer food, cover and few natural predators.
Researchers note that urban coyotes tend to be more bold and exploratory than rural ones, partly because repeated exposure to people without threat can reduce their natural wariness.
While attacks on people remain extremely rare, coyotes are known to prey on small animals and can be drawn into neighborhoods by unsecured trash, fallen fruit and pet food.
Wildlife officials advise securing attractants, supervising small pets, and using loud noises or other deterrents to reinforce coyotes’ natural fear of humans.
Residents who understand their behavior and take simple precautions can reduce conflict, but the uptick in sightings shows how these intelligent, adaptable predators are thriving in Southern California’s urban landscape.
