Coyote mating season begins in Southwest Florida

Those living in Southwest Florida will see more coyotes soon because their mating season has started.

Last March, a viewer sent pictures and a video of a coyote in someone’s Cape Coral yard near Southwest 40th Terrace.

There’s also another video of a coyote walking across someone’s driveway in broad daylight.

Coyotes can be dangerous, so here are a few tips to prevent encounters:

• Don’t feed them. It’s illegal, and they will become less scared of humans.
• Make sure garbage cans are secured.
• Don’t leave out any pet food, and pick up fallen fruit.
• Keep cats inside, especially now.
• Avoid walking your dog at dawn or dusk because that’s when coyotes like to roam. If you do have to walk them, keep them on a short leash.