MassWildlife is warning residents to be vigilant as animals become more active as spring approaches.

As the weather warms, animals such as coyotes and bobcats begin to be more visible throughout the state. The end of February into early March is mating season for the Eastern coyote in Massachusetts.

Coyotes are very common throughout the Bay State except for Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. They thrive in urban, residential, and rural settings.

Encounters with people are very rare. Since 1998, there have only been 18 recorded incidents with coyotes, and most of those are with people’s pets. However, precautions should be made to ensure encounters between your pets and coyotes are avoided.

“You want to protect your pets,” said MassWildlife Chief of Information and Education Marion Larson. “If you have a small dog or if you have cats that are outdoor cats, that are unsupervised, they are at risk to being attacked as a potential meal. Larger dogs are going to be considered a threat for the whole business of competing for mates. Go out with your dog, and your presence is a deterrent to those animals."

Other tips to avoid contact with coyotes and other wildlife are to secure your household garbage, keep areas around bird feeders clean, and protect any produce or livestock on your property.