Coyotes have been spotted in the county often in recent years, and the number of sightings is only expected to increase as the human population grows, authorities said in a release Monday.
Coyotes are mostly nocturnal, but have been seen during the day in urban and suburban areas. Authorities say that it's usually because they've been attracted to a food source or to areas under porches, decks and crawlspaces that would be ideal dens for their spring litters.
Police offer the following tips to keep coyotes away:
- Don't feed wildlife directly or indirectly, which can cause animals to lose their fear of humans.
- Keep trash inside until it's about to be picked up, or keep it in an animal-proof bid.
- Don't leave pet food outside, and keep any outdoor pet feeding areas clean.
- Remove bird feeders when if you've seen problem species around them.
- Close up all openings under and into your home and garage.
- Clear fallen fruit from around trees.
- Keep brushy areas in your yard cut down.
- Keep small pets inside and on a leash when outside. Larger dogs are viewed as a threat, especially from January to June when coyotes are breeding.
- Install coyote-proof fencing to protect unsupervised pets.
- Remember that it's illegal in Virginia to trap and relocate an animal.
For more information, click here: Prince William County Animal Control Bureau .