As residents of Orange County, we enjoy easy access to pristine beaches, local mountains, and plenty of natural open spaces. Shady Canyon in Irvine, for example, borders a nature preserve that is home to many indigenous animals.
Parks in the area around Shady Canyon include the James Dilley Greenbelt Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and Crystal Cove State Park.
And these parks in Orange County are home to a number of wild animals, including:
- Opossums
- Skunks
- Mountain Lions
- Coyotes
Coyotes are especially prevalent in the nature preserves and open areas of Orange County.
Staying alert and taking certain precautions can help to protect family and pets.
These safety practices will minimize the risk of coyote encounters:
- Supervise your small pets when they're outside, or keep them indoors
- Keep all food inside, including pet food
- Lock up your trash
- Keep your yard clear and clean
For more information on coyote safety in Orange County, check out these resources:
- Newport Beach Police Department's Coyote Information Page
- Orange County Animal Care's Wildlife Information Document On Coyotes
The wildlife and natural beauty of Orange County are a great reason to live here, and with a few precautions and healthy dose of common sense, we can continue to coexist with nature in Shady Canyon, Irvine, and beyond!
