A Canton Contact public service announcement advised residents that coyotes are adaptable and may appear in backyards and urban areas and outlined steps to reduce encounters.

The announcement recommended removing attractants such as bird feeders, pet food and uncovered trash and advised people to make noise—yelling or clapping—to scare coyotes away. It said people concerned about pets should accompany them outside or keep them on a leash.

The segment noted hunting for coyotes is available year-round statewide and that coyotes may be trapped statewide Oct. 15 through March 1. The announcement urged listeners to check the current hunting and trapping digest for exact season dates and regulations and directed them to michigan.gov/wildlife for more information. In residential areas where hunting or trapping is not allowed, it said landowners can hire permitted nuisance control companies to remove problem wildlife.

The segment emphasized that coyotes are an important part of Michigan’s natural community and should be observed from a distance.