Coyote Spotted In Manchester Neighborhood

MANCHESTER, CT — What one Manchester resident called "a good-sized" coyote has been trotting its way around a local neighborhood.

Ed Comstock managed to get a photo of the coyote recently near his home on Green Manor Road.

Comstock said he was reporting the sighting to the local animal control division.

Here's where the coyote was spotted:

According to officials from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, some coyotes may exhibit bold behavior near people, but the risk of a coyote attacking a person is extremely low.

The risk can increase if coyotes are intentionally fed and then learn to associate people with food, officials from the DEEP said.

Coyotes may attack pets, especially cats and small dogs (less than 25 pounds), DEEP Officials said.

The best way to protect pets is to not allow them to run free, DEEP Officials said.

Coyotes seen near homes or in residential areas rarely threaten humans, but DEEP officials urge the public to not feed them and eliminate any "food sources" that may be attractive to coyotes, like messy bird feeders, pet foods, and fallen fruit.

Residents should secure garbage and compost in animal-proof containers, according tp DEEP officials.

Coyotes are most active at night but may be active during daylight hours, particularly during the young-rearing period and longer days of summer, according to the DEEP. Daytime activity alone is not indicative of rabies, DEEP officials said.