The Nevada Department of Wildlife is issuing a warning to Northern Nevada residents about potential conflicts with coyotes.

Urban Wildlife Coordinator Jessica Heitt tells The Nevada Appeal that coyote pups leave their mother in the fall and start hunting on their own. That leads to more sightings and conflicts, such as attacks on small dogs and cats, but attacks on humans are rare.

Heitt says people should work with their neighbors to remove things that might attract coyotes, like pet food, garbage and fruit from trees.

She says residents should keep dogs leashed and carry pepper spray and a noise maker while walking them. She also suggested keeping small children and pets inside at dusk and at night.