Any of my fellow Southern Californians (I know there's a few; A-Girl, X, Faithful) experience any encounters with coyotes lately? There's been several attacks in the last couple months. They claim the drought and construction/land movement may be the reason. I have, in the past, mostly heard sounds coming from the mountains and every now and then I'd see one walking in the field at a distance BUT I never had an up close personal experience.

I live by a Forest area where they are clearing some land to build homes. Yesterday morning I heard what must of been a herd (if that's the proper term for a group) coming from the mountains as I was out for my early morning run. It was very loud. Plus I have a little dog and I'd hate to have them attack her. That would be horrible.
I always thought they ran from people, but reading/hearing recent events, I may do as they say and take a stick with me just in case. TIS The Coyote killer. Ha ha ha
TIS
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/07/0...acks-on-humans/