You may have noticed an increase of coyotes in or around the city, or just the animals acting a bit more brave than usual.

That's because February and March are mating season for the animals, making them bolder to venture further into areas they normally wouldn't. This doesn't mean they will travel into town though, as they are pretty scared of people.

"I would just suggest staying in a common area," said Krysten McEwen, Executive director of the Moose Jaw Humane Society. "Coyotes, they're quite scared of humans, so I mean if you're out walking your dog in an area where there's a lot of traffic, a lot of known people walking up and down the streets they're not going to bother you there."

People should stay a little more aware though, as some are bold enough to try and go after smaller animals like your pets. This just means to make sure you keep an eye on your dog or cat while they're outside.

During this time of year, even the Humane Society has one coyote that comes near.

"We have one common male, one that hangs out in the area," McEwan said. "He's a little bit bigger and he hangs out back there in the area and honestly we just don't have anybody off leash out there and we don't go down in that area because we know he's there."

If you do encounter a coyote, McEwen suggests turning around and giving it space or carry a horn. Some people come prepared when walking their pet in rural areas carry horns, and usually one loud horn blow can scare off coyotes.

Coyote Mating season lasts 4-6 weeks, and their young are born in April or May