LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. (AP) — A Laguna Beach family says a brazen coyote came into their home and snatched the family's 8-year-old Chihuahua from a bedroom occupied by a baby girl and two other small dogs.

The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday that John Fischer was in his kitchen when he heard his dogs barking.

Fischer said he initially didn't think much of it. Then he saw a coyote race out of the bedroom carrying his screaming Chihuahua, Eloise.

He said his baby granddaughter was also in the room.

He gave chase but the animal got away.

Fischer told the newspaper he usually closes up the house at dusk because of coyote threats, but forgot to Monday night.

Coyote sightings in residential neighborhoods have increased recently. Authorities say California's drought may be to blame.

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/