Coyotes Found in 'Virtually Every Area of Fairfax County'

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Coyotes are now found in virtually every part of Fairfax County, according to a County wildlife biologist who gives tips in a county video released Tuesday on how to coexist with the animals.

Coyotes generally pose little threat to humans, their property or pets, the County said. Coyotes have been known, in some cases, to prey on small domestic animals. It is always advisable to feed pets indoors and to keep small pets inside or securely penned at night, the County warned. Coyotes can run up to 40 MPH.

Here are some facts about coyotes from National Geographic:

• Common name: Coyote
• Scientific name: Canis latrans
• Type: Mammals
• Diet: Omnivores
• Group name: Pack
• Average life span in the wild: Up to 14 years
• Size: Head and body, 32 to 37 in; tail, 16 in
• Weight: 20 to 50 lbs

Here's more about what coyotes eat: "These adaptable animals will eat almost anything. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. They also happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, many ranchers and farmers regard them as destructive pests."

Fairfax County warns not to feed coyotes. Watch the full video about coyotes in the county, from Fairfax County here:

PHOTO of coyotes courtesy of Fairfax County via County YouTube video