We want to alert our residents to recent reports of coyotes in our area and within town limits. Unfortunately, they have killed family pets and livestock. For more information on coyotes, click here.

To avoid issues with coyotes, here are some helpful hints:

Feed pets indoors or remove food when your pet is finished eating outside. Coyotes and other wildlife are attracted to pet food left outdoors.
Don’t be intimidated by a coyote. Maintain its wariness by throwing a small object, such as a tennis ball, at it, making a loud noise, or spraying it with a hose. Let it know it is unwelcome near your home.
Protect your pets by keeping them inside, leashed, or inside a fenced area. Always supervise small pets when they’re outside, especially around dusk or dawn.
Install coyote-proof fencing around your home to protect unsupervised pets and livestock.
Secure trash and food waste in secure containers with tight-fitting lids.

For more helpful hints and additional information on co-existing with coyotes, click here. If you do encounter a coyote, do not run from them as it could trigger their instinct to chase prey. Instead, throw rocks or yell at them to intimidate them. We were also told to keep a soda can with pennies inside it to shake at the coyote, as the noise should scare them off.

If you are having trouble with coyote in your yard, contact NC Wildlife at 866-318-2401 or 919-707-4011. Please remain alert and stay safe!