Ms. Needham’s commentary on coyotes was informative (Sept. 3 Thousand Oaks Acorn , “Living close to coyotes isn’t always easy for T.O. residents”).

It should be re-emphasized emphatically that we should neither feed these adept, intelligent predators nor leave food out that may attract their attention to our family pet.

Typically, coyotes do not engage humans unless they have been “welcomed” by people feeding them or they’re ravenous due to a dearth of natural prey.

It’s hard to imagine a coyote attacking a small dog in an owner’s arms, as reported, unless the coyote had no fear of the human or was extremely hungry.

Children and pets should be watched carefully wherever coyotes prowl. We should also be aware of coyotes in residential neighborhoods given they may scavenge in our trash.

In the case of a “walk the dog” scenario, I can offer some suggestions. We may love to see our dogs run free in open areas, but the risk isn’t worth it in areas where coyotes live. Dogs chasing coyotes could be killed or severely maimed by packs if you don’t quickly get there to intervene physically.

Once these animals have prey, their drive to kill and survive is phenomenal.

For protection, a firm walking stick, rocks and cellphone are invaluable. My wife and former neighbor would walk very early in the morning with our dogs. Our neighbor had an elderly husky. On several occasions, up to six coyotes would “shadow” them and continue doing so until the ladies threw rocks in their direction to discourage their interest, more than likely, in the slow-moving, elderly husky.

In a few instances, when a pack of coyotes were seen, my wife and neighbor would use common sense and change their course––avoidance, prior to confrontation, can keep you out of trouble.

Eradication or relocation of bothersome animals can afford protection. However, there are others who will fill the vacant spots. Hence, common sense and awareness of coyotes and their tactics should be employed to protect children, pets and ourselves. Richard W. Hurst Thousand Oaks

Hurst, a professor at both CLU and Cal State University Los Angeles, has a doctorate in geol ogy, which involves a great deal of fieldwork and encounters with wildlife.