Newington police are warning people to be careful after a Great Dane was killed by a coyote.
A large coyote attacked Zoe, the Great Dane, on Stagecoach Lane on Tuesday morning, police said. She later died at a local veterinary hospital.
"I was focusing on our new puppy and she (Zoe) sort of turned around and looked like she was dragging a back leg and I called her over and when she came over to me she actually had a chunk bitten out of her hind-side," the dog owner said.
The owners of Zoe asked not to be identified. They said this was not the first time they had seen the coyote in their neighborhood. She said she has seen the animal walking down the street during the morning hours.
"I do want people to be cautious because there are so many children in the area, especially in the morning," she added.
Police warn that you should calmly leave the area if a coyote approaches you.
To frighten coyotes, shout, wave your arms and act aggressive, but do not pick up your dog, police warn.
"Letting dogs out at night unsupervised is really a risky proposition even though you may have done it in the past," DEEP Wildlife Biologist Chris Vann said.
In early September Newington Police put a warning out about bobcats after sightings were reported.
If approached by an aggressive or overly-friendly coyote, call DEEP EnCON Police at 860-424-3333 or Newington Police Department at 860-666-8445.
