A recent uptick in coyote sightings in Playa del Rey has drawn mixed reactions from residents in recent weeks.

Though scenic beach cities aren't strangers to wildlife, the coyotes' presence is noted as they're seemingly prowling the area at every hour of the day, residents say.

"We walk the neighborhood a lot. Mostly in the mornings, I've seen the coyotes," said one woman while speaking with CBS News Los Angeles.

It's unclear what triggered the increase in the creature's presence, but there are plenty of theories as to why. One theory suggests that construction in a nearby open field has brought them out more often and closer to densely populated areas.

Most of Southern California has seen a similar trend, which many attribute to ongoing development across the region. In recent years,

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