[dd74]

I normally see coyotes during my rides through the hills of Griffith Park, near Hollywood. The ones I see are not afraid of humans. They stand by the road, staring at traffic or passersby. I've seen one literally stake out a kids' outdoor b-day party in the park, and one time while I was climbing a hill, a coyote followed me the whole way up. I think the only thing that abated whatever it wanted to do, was the spinning of my legs and the sound of the chain over the gear teeth.

In the mountainous regions of L.A., coyotes (and owls and hawks) are why you don't let a puppy or small dog outside without a leash. And even then, I've heard of coyotes snatching little dogs right off the leash, in front of the owner.

The most stupid action I've seen involving coyotes were some guys who ran into the bushes and chased out a couple coyotes. If a pups' den had been in there, and the mother anywhere close, I'm certain those guys would have soon needed a trip to Emergency, a rabies shot being the least of their problems.