Coyotes on the prowl, rattlesnakes slithering about

Be warned: Coyote and rattlesnake season is here.

It’s that time of year to watch your step, especially if you’re on a trail, in fields or in mountains or hills where snakes live. And keep a watchful eye on kids and small pets whenever you’re outside; coyotes are here.

Venomous vipers are venturing closer to cities after the dry winter, warn the experts. Hot and cold blooded beasts are looking for necessities. Coyotes are roaming through developed areas earlier than usual, seeking both water and food.

Last year, some local pet owners saw coyotes snatch with their teeth dogs and cats to haul them back into hills to devour. While a dog might not get over a six-foot wall or fence around a backyard, coyotes do it with ease.

Coyotes usually are fearful of fully grown humans, sources said. But some have become braver; usually adolescent males that will approach almost anyone. Any coyote, however, can be aggressive around small children or infants.

Snakes will strike anyone who startles them. If you’re walking in the hills or in fields, expect a snake to be present and be extra cautious and calm. And at all costs, avoid them.

As for coyotes, don’t give them an excuse to enter your backyard, sources said.

Keep pets indoors, especially as evening approaches and at night. Last year, some coyotes were spotted in local neighborhoods as early as 7 p.m., as reported to The Acorn. Pet owners might want to keep their animals in the garage. And never leave pet food outside. Coyotes love it.

"Most people have a tendency to be quiet around a wild animal," said former Wildlife Foundation Director of Animal Care Dawn Smith.

"It’s better to be loud," she said.

Coyotes are actually defensive animals, frightened of loud noises.

A good preventive measure is to soak rags in ammonia and surround your yard with them. Coyotes will avoid it.

Coyotes are protected, according to Jerry Borjenson, warden at the regional headquarters of the state Department of Fish and Game in San Diego. A coyote must be a threat to human life before it can be legally killed. In such cases, Borjenson said, the county animal control department is contacted to either trap or destroy the predator.

If you want to get rid of snakes, you can hire a rattlesnake wrangler to clear them out. A local rattlesnake wrangler is Bo Slyapich, who can be reached at (818) 880-4269 or (818) 992-49999.

For more information about coyotes, call the Wildlife Foundation at (818) 222-2658 or Fish and Game headquarters in San Diego at (858) 467-4201.