CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- The Chula Vista community of Eastlake is guarding against an influx of coyotes. In the past few weeks, two dogs have been attacked and killed, and last Sunday, a teenage girl was also attacked in Spring Valley.

The Department of Fish and Game said coyotes are native to Southern California and many housing developments have spread into their territory.

Experts said homeowners are giving coyotes a reason to get closer to neighborhoods, as they are drawn in by food and garbage left outside. Even worse, some homeowners have been feeding the coyotes.

There is nothing new about coyote sightings in eastern Chula Vista, experts said. The city's master plan communities have been designed with open space greenbelts intertwined in between the neighborhoods, and the green belts give coyotes a safe passageway directly into the heart of neighborhoods.

Eastlake resident Liza Perez said her teacup Chihuahua, Ziggy, was attacked and killed by a coyote June 23. Since then, she has passed out dozens of flyers warning her neighbors about the wild animals.

"Once they don't fear us, then they do come out in front of us like they are doing now," Perez said.

The Eastlake Homeowners Association said it has sent out coyote warnings before and may send out another one.