UPDATE 11:32AM: Carson City Sheriff’s Office deputies, the Nevada Department of Wildlife and Animal Control are looking for a coyote that killed a small dog Friday morning at Mills Park.

Tracking the coyote began at around 10 a.m. after the coyote went after the dog, chased geese and was seen roaming the area around the playground, according to Carson City Sheriff’s Office dispatchers. The dog was initially reported as being injured in the attack that happened near the park’s train station but subsequently died, according to a report between Carson City patrol officers and dispatchers.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed the death of the dog, described as being a small in size that was unattended in the park. The coyote emerged from a ditch and attacked the dog, said DOW public information officer Chris Healy. The dog was taken to a veterinarian by animal control where it died. Tests will be done to see if the deceased dog had any diseases associated with the attack, Healy said.

The coyote was last seen at around 10:15 a.m. Friday headed toward Carson High School.

Within the past couple days a coyote was spotted near Evergreen and Ormsby and reportedly acted aggressive, forcing a person who was outside to go back inside due to the animal’s behavior.

While coyotes attacking humans is a rare occurrence, most are directed at young children, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Attacks are more apt to occur when coyotes have lost their natural fear of humans. Coyotes lose there fear of humans when they are rewarded for coming in close contact, such as consuming pet food or garbage, either intentionally or unintentionally left where they can access it.

A variety of diseases can afflict coyotes, particularly if overpopulation occurs. Diseases include rabies, mange, hepatitis and distemper. Rabies in coyotes caused concerns in Nevada in the past when outbreaks occurred. Rabies could potentially be cause for concern in the future.

The agency offers the following advice to people who have concerns or are having problems with coyotes:

Do not feed coyotes or any other wild animal. Providing food makes them dependent and they can lose their natural fear of humans. People who provide them with food run the risk of being bitten and increase the chance of their neighbors having a coyote issue.

Don’t corner the animal, such as in a garage. Give it plenty of opportunity to escape. Do not let your pets harass them, they are very capable fighters.

Keep pet food out of their reach and secure garbage cans. Coyotes are opportunistic and will make a meal of pet food or table scraps that are left in unsecured containers. If a dog or cat is fed outside, bring uneaten food inside as soon as the pet has finished eating. Place trash in a secure container so that it is unavailable to coyotes.

Abide by leash laws and avoid letting dogs and cats roam freely. Coyotes kill and eat small dogs and house cats.

Work with your neighbors on making your neighborhood undesirable to coyotes. If coyotes are frequenting your neighborhood, you can be certain that they are being fed or are finding food. By working with your neighbors, you may be able to eliminate food sources that are bringing the animals into the neighborhood.

Be supportive of animal control and wildlife agencies that are working with coyotes and other wildlife and domestic animals.