A Schnauzer-poodle mix died last week after it was attacked by a coyote in Hazelwood, and now the Missouri Department of Conservation is working with local police to find the wild animal.

Coyotes are primarily carnivores who prefer to eat rodents and rabbits, but they also will eat fruit and insects, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. 

However, when food is scare, small, domesticated animals are an appealing option. 

In 2011, a attacked a coyote in Wildwood in an effort to protect its owner. 
Most of the time, coyote encounters with people are brief.

Have you seen coyotes near your house? How common are they in Maryland Heights? Do you take precaution when leaving your pets outside alone for an extended period of time?