Coyote spotted trotting down street in Sarasota neighborhood

SARASOTA, Fla. (FOX 13) - The city of Sarasota is warning residents to be cautious of coyotes after one was spotted trotting down the street in one neighborhood.

A resident took video from the car of the coyote walking down the middle of the road in the Avondale neighborhood, which is just west of U.S. 41.

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Pet owners who live in the area are reminded not to leave their cats and dogs outside, and everyone is urged to be aware of their surroundings.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says coyotes rarely pose a threat to people, and while they can be curious, they generally run away if challenged. However, they do occasionally prey on cats and dogs at night or dusk and dawn, so keep pets inside and remove pet food and unsecured garbage from around your home.

Anyone who spots unusual behavior from a coyote should report it to the FWC's wildlife alert hotline: 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).