A lone coyote appears to be making its way through Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, according to police reports.

Reports were called in Friday morning of sightings in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. A Manhattan Beach animal control officer reported seeing a coyote in the Tree Section around 9 a.m., according to a Nixle alert.

A Nixle alert went out from Hermosa Beach police around 10:10 a.m. of a caller who saw a coyote near Valley Park, the northern end of town close to MB.

Hermosa Beach police have received calls of sightings today (Friday, September 26) around the city but it was unclear if the sightings were of the coyote or a loose dog that closely resembles a coyote and was reported missing.

Community members are being advised to not leave food outside and to keep small pets inside.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife notes the following:

• Mere presence of a wildlife species does not in itself constitute a threat.
• Coyotes are protected under Fish and Game codes and cannot be relocated except by a licensed trapper.
• Coyotes may be euthanized by law enforcement only if the animal poses an imminent threat.
• Coyotes cannot be trapped except by a licensed trapper.

Fish and Wildlife also makes the following recommendations in regards to coyote sightings:

• Stay away and bring pets indoors.
• Make loud noises

To sign up to receive Nixle cell phone text alerts from MBPD, text the number 888777 (in the "To" field) and the zip code 90266 (in the message field).