PHOTOS: Farmington Hills Police warn residents to keep pets indoors after several coyote sightings

(WXYZ) - Farmington Hills Police are alerting residents after multiple coyote sightings in the area.

Action News has learned police have received about a dozen calls from startled residents over the last few weeks.

Laura Smentowski's neighbor, Pat, took pictures of one coyote he spotted on Sunday morning in the Independence Commons subdivision in Farmington Hills.

Smentowski saw the pictures and says, "He looked healthy. He looked like he was eating well. It was the size of my dog."

They have been sighted all over the city and specifically in the areas of Howard Road, Paddleford Road and Old Homestead Drive.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources say coyotes rarely attack humans however those fed become accustomed to people and present a safety risk.

The DNR provides these important safety guidelines:

• Never approach or touch a coyote
• Never intentionally feed a coyote
• Eliminate all outside food sources, especially pet foods
• Put garbage out the morning of pickup day
• Clear out wood and brush piles; they are good habitat for rats and mice and may attract coyotes
• Good husbandry practices, guard animals, and coyote control measures can help to protect livestock
• Do not allow pets to roam free when coyotes are present - consider keeping pets indoors or accompany them outside, especially at night

Farmington Hills Police say they will respond to complaints but they are not in a position to shoot, trap and relocate coyotes that are otherwise healthy.

Commander Mike Ciaramitaro says the city has heard of any conflicts between coyotes and people or any missing pets, only sightings. He says sightings are not uncommon during this time of year because it's a breeding period.

"I’m thinking a new family of coyotes moved into that area. The earch for food that’s probably what people are seeing," says Commander Ciaramitaro.