HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Police in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover say they've received several reports of coyotes in several neighborhoods.

Mike Richardson, who owns Wild Works of Alabama, says that as winter approaches, coyotes are searching for food to generate heat so they can stay warm.

Richardson tells WBRC-TV that coyotes have been known to attack small dogs. He said he's seen them go after dogs on leashes while they are being walked by their owners.

Hoover police say they've received calls about coyotes in areas including Brock's Gap; the Patton Chapel Road area; Pavillon Drive; Oakleaf Trail; Twin Branch Drive; Lynncrest Drive; and Guyton Road.

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Information from: WBRC-TV, www.myfoxal.com