A coyote found its way into the Myrtle Beach International Airport and passed security before being captured by Horry County Animal Control.

The incident occurred Dec. 22, The State reported, and the coyote has since been put down.

Horry County police were called shortly after 10 a.m. about the wild animal roaming the airport. Airport spokesman Kirk Lovell said the predator appeared to gain access through the baggage area.

The coyote made its way to the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint before being cornered and captured. Lovell said the area was temporarily closed for safety and that there were no injuries reported.

The decision to euthanize the predator follows policy, which was created because coyotes are considered to be a nuisance in the area, Capt. Robert McCullough of the Department of Natural Resources said.