Raleigh sees spike in coyote, fox sightings in neighborhoods

Raleigh Police told WRAL they recently get as many as 10 calls a week from people spotting the animals. Animal Control officers want to make sure you know what to do if one crosses your path.

"Due to the extensive renovation of the city and so forth, we've actually had a lot of calls," said Lauren Mulleady with Raleigh Animal Control. "It's more frequent these days, especially with their habitat becoming less and less. They're traveling and they're trying to figure things out."

Coyote pups and fox pups are getting bigger this time of year and wandering out on their own more.

Some tips on dealing with foxes and coyotes if you see them: Keep an eye on small pets when they’re outside. Experts say foxes usually won’t go after pets, but coyotes sometimes mistake them for small prey. If you do come into contact with one – you can spray them with water or yell to scare them off.

Wildlife experts tell me construction is another reason for more sightings.