There have been several reports of coyote activity in and around Spring Hill. For new residents, this is common and expected with the amount of undeveloped land still adjacent to the development. 

To let coyotes be wild while keeping yourself and pets safe, please follow these pointers:

• Never feed coyotes—it is illegal to feed coyotes in most places. Feeding endangers your family and neighbors as it lures coyotes into neighborhoods.
• Keep unattended cats and dogs indoors or in completely enclosed runs, especially at night, and do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your back yard.
• Accompany your leashed pet outside. Make sure you turn on lights if it is dark to check your back yard for unexpected wildlife.
• Keep dogs on short leashes while walking outside; the Division of Wildlife recommends a leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Leave noisemakers on hand to scare away coyotes that may enter your yard, such as whistles and horns.
• Don’t run away or turn your back on a coyote.
• Do not allow a coyote to get in between you and your pet or child—keep children close to you.
• Yell, clap hands, blow a whistle and try to make yourself look larger if you have a close encounter with a coyote.