“Biologically this makes sense. In the fall we see young, ‘teenaged’ coyotes leaving their parents’ territory to find a mate and establish a territory of their own,” said Falyn Owens, extension wildlife biologist with the Commission. “Early in their wanderings, young coyotes often travel with their siblings, and their characteristic yipping, howling and barking may be heard as they keep track of each other, and other coyotes whose territories they are passing through.”

In 2017, the greatest number of coyote-related reports occurred in the fall, with most reports coming from Wake, Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. Coyotes are common across the state, but because these counties are so densely populated the chances of someone seeing a coyote area are greater.

Coyotes are usually wary of people and attacks on people are rare, though coyotes are known to hurt small pets such as cats and small dogs. During this season, people are advised to keep cats indoors and dogs on leash or in a fence when outside. To deter coyotes from residential areas, remove garbage, pet food and bird feeders. 

N.C. Wildlife Helpline, 866.318.2401, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. www.ncwildlife.org/coyote.