DALLAS, N.C. -- More people in the Charlotte region could have run-ins with coyotes over the next few weeks, according to state biologists.
The North Carolina Wildlife Commission issued a report saying coyote sightings will peak between October and November as young coyotes leave their parents' territory to find a mate and settle into their own home.
It added that from October to November 2017, Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties had the second and third most sightings, by county, in the state, respectively.
Mecklenburg County had 16 sightings while Gaston County had 15 sightings.
Just this year, NBC Charlotte has reported on sightings in Huntersville, Ballantyne, and Tega Cay.
State wildlife biologist Danny Ray said coyotes can adapt quickly to their environments.
"They can live in the most remote dense forest or they can live in the middle of a large city," Ray said.
There have been reports of people being attacked by coyotes, but Ray said those cases are few and far between.
"If you see a coyote in your community, don't be afraid of the coyote," Ray said. "It's usually more afraid of you than you are of it."
But coyotes do attack small dogs and cats for food.
Ray advised owners to keep their pets inside, and if people do take their pets outside, put a leash on them.
