There has been an increase in reports of coyotes across southern Michigan.

The Michigan DNR has a list of ways to cope with sightings of the wild canines. Wildlife Outreach Coordinator Rachel Lincoln told WSJM that the first two months of the year see more coyote activity in every county of the state, which could result in a threat to people, pets, and more.

Tactics to keep them from becoming a nuisance include making loud noises when you see one; removing attractions like brush piles and bird feeders; and generally making your property less friendly.

Coyotes aren’t all bad, though. They do their part to keep down the populations of pests like moles and mice. Coyotes also make a comeback in the late spring, when the pups start to be born for the year.