Police issue warning about coyotes preying on small pets in Lake County

WILLOWICK, Ohio - Police are warning pet lovers to protect their four-legged friends as the number of coyote sightings continues to mount throughout the state.

In Lake County, Willowick police officers posted to the department's Facebook page that coyotes have been spotted in both Willowick and Eastlake.

While the predators are known to prey on small mammals like mice, rabbits and vole, officers said they often attack cats and smaller breed dogs as well.

Because the coyotes are most active at night, police urge residents to secure their pets overnight.

Officers advise the warning goes for all Ohio residents, as coyotes are known to live in all 88 of the state's counties.