Recently, while responding to concerns regarding a coyote regularly seen in the area of Indian Hill Boulevard and Eighth Street, Claremont police officers learned that residents in the area were feeding the coyote.

Allowing wild animals access to  human food and garbage can have serious consequences. Wild animals naturally fear people, keep a distance and will not bother you as long as they remain wild.

If they have access to human food and garbage, they want more. Their innate wildness and fear of humans can be lost and that is when conflicts occur.

A loud whistle can scare away coyotes. Free whistles are available at the police department (570 W. Bonita Ave.), city hall (207 Harvard Ave.) and the Hughes Center (1700 Danbury Rd.).

If you encounter a coyote that is acting in an aggressive manner and/or endangering human safety, dial 9-1-1 and the police department will respond.

For information on “living with coyotes,” visit ci.claremont.ca.us/living/animal-control-1695.