For Penny Sprague, the wake-up call arrived last summer. Related Articles Coyote attacks in California are on the rise; here’s how to see if they’re in your area New web tool tracks coyote activity ...

Coyote sightings are common in many areas of Southern California, including urban neighborhoods that are not near mountains and wilderness areas, raising concerns for residents who have small pets.

For Penny Sprague, the wake-up call arrived last summer. “I have a 7-pound dog and had a coyote lying in my next-door neighbor’s yard early one morning,” the San Pedro homeowner said. “I was adamant ...