So far this year, there have been a number of coyote sightings throughout the Park Cities, which has evidently prompted the City of University Park to include advice for local residents in this month's edition of The Arbor about how to prevent the animals from venturing toward their homes.

Coyotes are omnivorous creatures that look for easy meals. Besides feasting on other animals, such as possums and raccoons, it is not uncommon for coyotes to eat dog and cat food, rotting fruit and birdseed. They can also be pesky creatures that will dig through trash that has not property secured in a container. So, Park Cities residents should make sure there are not any easy-to-get meals on their property, which may attract coyotes.

If you find yourself in a close encounter situation with a coyote, you should wave your arms, shout and spray it with a water hose if possible because the animals are wary of humans and those things would likely cause it to run away. Residents can also call the local Animal Control Officer or Police Department if necessary.