Biologists with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission say there’s an annual peak of reported coyote sightings this time of year, typically from people who are concerned about the dangers they could pose.
But wildlife agents say they are not generally a threat to humans and the chances are very good that they have been in the area for some time.
Tips to make homes and neighborhoods less attractive to coyotes:
- Supervise small pets when they are outside, especially around dawn and dusk
- Keep cats indoors and poultry in a predator-proof run
- Feed pets indoors or remove all food when a pet is finished eating outside
- Store food waste in secure containers with tight-fitting lids
- Keep birdseed off the ground around feeders, or attract birds with seed-bearing wildflowers in lieu of feeders
If someone sees a coyote near their home, officials say that if they feel safe to do so, they should scare it off by making loud noises, throwing small objects in their direction or spraying it with a water hose.
