Q. I recently lost a cat, and I think a coyote killed it. Neighbors say they have seen coyotes in Ardmore. Are there coyotes in the city? And if so, how do we protect our pets? -- R.S.
A. Coyotes are common here. And pets, especially cats and small dogs, may be at risk, said Chris Kreh, a biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Coyotes started appearing in North Carolina in the 1980s and are now found in all 100 counties. They can adapt to many habitats, including towns and residential areas.
Coyotes can cause problems, but people are generally more fearful than necessary, Kreh said. Coyotes rarely attack people. They are naturally curious, but wary. If people feed them or leave pet food or garbage outside, though, they will become bolder.
Coyotes view outdoor cats and small, unleashed dogs as prey and may attack them.
They may confront larger dogs, which they see as threats, especially in winter and spring during the mating and birthing season.
Here are some steps that will help keep your pets safe:
□ Don't feed or try to pet coyotes.
□ Keep pets inside, leashed or inside a fence.
□ Feed pets indoors or remove food after outside feeding.
□ Keep bird-feeder areas clean, and use bird feeders that keep seed off the ground.
□ Close off crawl spaces.
□ Cut back brushy areas, which provide cover for coyotes.
□ Clear fallen fruit from around trees.
For more information, go to www.ncwildlife.org.
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