Concern is mounting in Ansonia after residents reported more coyote sightings in the days after a dog was attacked outside his home.
Animal control said a coyote was spotted Monday morning on Benz Street.
Some neighbors said they were not surprised.
"That leads to the nature center so that’s where all the land is and that’s where they come out of at night," said Ansonia resident Mike Mairano. "So if you had a cat or something, I’d be scared."
Less than a week go, two coyotes chased and attacked a 5-year-old pit bull named Lexus in his yard on Park Place. Surveillance footage captured the incident. Fortunately, Lexus is recovering well.
"Attacks on pets are not new," explained Chris Vann, a wildlife biologist at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
After a rough winter, coyotes are hungry and liable to become more aggressive. Experts are advising residents to keep their pets inside at night.
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"If you are going out at night, leash them at all times. Be aware if you possibly see a coyote in the shadows, calmly go inside, get your pet indoors," said Vann.
The Ansonia Animal Shelter is also reminding pet owners to keep their animals' rabies vaccines up to date.
Officials with DEEP said coyote attacks on people are rare.
