12/02/2025
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 resident coyotes could pose. But these secretive canines 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:
- Always supervise small pets when they’re outside, and 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 you see a coyote around your home and feel safe to do so, scare it off by making loud noises, throwing small objects in their direction or spraying it with a water hose.
📸: moosehenderson
