DEARBORN — There have been several confirmed coyote sightings across Dearborn in recent months, some in highly-populated residential areas.

A more recent sighting was near Grindley Park. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources offered several suggestions and best practices on how to avoid conflicts with coyotes.

The wild animals are taking advantage of food sources in urban and suburban areas.

According to the DNR, coyotes have learned how to survive in urban landscapes. They survive by scavenging on litter and leftover food that can be found on the streets or in trash cans, bird feeders and gardens.

The DNR created a list of tips to combat the coyotes and make it difficult for them to get food and more likely to leave.

Remove easily accessible food sources until the coyotes move on. They are not likely to leave if they are comfortable and find a consistent food source.

Use loud and abrupt yelling, clapping or noise makers to chase off coyotes. This helps the coyotes retain their natural fear of humans and helps them learn they can’t be on humans’ territory.

Hire professionals. Permitted nuisance control companies can be hired to assist in the removal of coyotes in urban and residential areas, if the coyotes are resilient.

Where hunting and trapping activities are allowed, coyotes may be taken all year on private property by the owner or a designee. A Michigan resident only needs a base license to hunt them. Supplies for traps can be found at any local sporting goods or outdoors store.