RACINE, WI (CBS 58) -- Jenna Crawford of the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus joined us in studio with tips on how to safely coexist with coyotes in Southeast Wisconsin. Seeing a coyote in Southeastern Wisconsin is pretty common nowadays and they typically mate in February or March, so they’re likely to be even more active right now. Although they’re naturally secretive, during breeding season you could see one at all hours of the day. Coyotes primarily feed on small rodents and rabbits but will eat anything they can find. If food is available in your neighborhood, they’ll come looking for it.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Do not provide food and water for other wildlife. It may attract coyotes and their prey.

• Remove potential food sources such as open garbage cans, bird feeders, and pet food bowls. Never intentionally feed coyotes.

• Secure your garbage cans and make sure that food and compost are in a covered container. If they can’t smell it, they’re less likely to be interested in your property. The presence of coyotes near your home can be unnerving or frightening, but it’s important to remember that they are typically wary of humans and will avoid them whenever possible. In some cases, they may attack and kill small pets, but coyote attacks on humans are exceptionally rare.

That said, we have a few tips to coexist humanely with coyotes.

There are some simple techniques that can encourage them to leave the area.

• If you encounter a coyote don’t turn your back or run away. Make loud noises, make yourself look big, and calmly leave the area.

• Another scare tactic is to shake or throw soda cans filled with coins or rocks – or throw another object like a ball or shoe.

• Spray the coyote with water.

• You can also buy ultrasonic dog repellents or pocket-sized air horns.

• Install a 6-7-foot-high fence buried approximately 1 foot deep to help keep coyotes out of an area.

• Protect your pets by always keeping an eye on them when they’re outside. Keep your dogs leashed on walks and keep pets inside at night.

You can find more information about coexisting with coyotes and other wildlife on our website wihumane.org.