WORTHINGTON, Ohio -- New four-legged visitors in Worthington have residents on edge and keeping a close watch over their pets.
NBC 4's Ana Jackson reported with the Fast Facts.
Recently, coyotes have been spotted at bus stops and in back yards in the Worthington area.
"I was shocked because we've never seen anything like them back here before," Worthington resident Dana Nagai said.
The coyotes haven't hurt any people, but they did kill a neighborhood cat named Sprinkles.
Experts with the Ohio Division of Wildlife explained coyotes are very adaptable, which is why more and more of them are making a home in the city.
Wildlife experts said coyotes will target garbage, pet food left outside and sometimes small dogs and cats.
They warned residents to keep their pets from roaming around at night unattended.
The Division of Wildlife does not control the coyote population because they are not considered to be a threat to humans.
However, coyotes can be hunted throughout the year as long as the hunter is licensed and local ordinances allow it.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
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