CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Coyote sightings are a common complaint by people on social media.

• Officials say they don't believe the numbers are increasing
• They say coyotes don't typically pose a risk to humans, but can be a danger to pets
• It's illegal to hunt coyotes in the city of Charlotte

Despite their regular appearances, officials don't believe their numbers are increasing. Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation says this is a common time of year to see the animals because they are mating.

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While they don't typically pose a risk to humans, they can pose a danger to pets. It's why people should keep their dogs on a leash.

As for whether coyotes are here to stay, parks and recreation officials say they seem to like living in cities.

RELATED: PETA Concerned About Stanly County Coyote Hunting Event

"A lot of that is because you can't hunt in the city," said Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Division Director Chris Matthews. "There's a lot of food in the city for them. Coyotes are very well adapted to living around human beings."

It's illegal to hunt coyotes in the city of Charlotte. If you see a one and it appears to be potentially violent, contact police.