SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- More coyote sightings have been reported in urban neighborhoods throughout San Diego County in recent months. Residents in the University City community, for example, have reported an increase in coyote sightings within less than a mile radius from the Westfield UTC shop ping mall in recent months. Ocean Beach renter loses thousands to fake landlord Last year, FOX 5/KUSI reported on North County residents seeing more coyotes in their local neighborhoods. Data gathered by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources showed coyotes have been spotted in the county as far north as Oceanside to as far south as Otay Mesa near the U.S.-Mexico border in 2024. Sightings were also reported in areas along the coast such as La Jolla and the cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach, plus Chula Vista, Escondido, Santee and others. (See map below) Green dots on the interactive map represent coyote sightings and red dots refer to places where coyotes have reportedly attacked pets. Users can create an account for free to report sightings in their own neighborhoods. Map of coyote sightings in 2024. (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources) Coyotes typically live in open grasslands, forests and deserts. However, they may move into cities based on food availability, water sources, a lack of predators and habitat encroachment, according to the San Diego Humane Society. San Diego Zoo wants your help naming new sloth bear cubs "Coyotes are highly adaptable animals who have learned to thrive in urban and suburban environments due to habitat loss, availability of food sources and lack of natural predators," a spokesperson for SDHS said Wednesday. The humane society said coyotes may be seen in urban environments because as cities expand, their natural habitats become smaller, forcing them to seek new homes. People can learn how to practice coexistence strategies on the San Diego Humane Society's website. Additionally, residents can report coyote sightings to the Department of Wildlife Services in San Diego County at 1-800-486-0010. ...read more read less