People living in the city are often surprised to come across wild animals in their own neighbourhoods. But, according to experts, they should get used to having coyotes around – they like urban life.

"They're here because they have all the things they need to live," said Kristine Lampa, of the Stanley Park Ecology Society in Vancouver. "Lots of food . . . rats, small mammals, lots of garbage and occasionally our domestic pets as well."

And those occasional attacks on small dogs, for example, have some people especially worried.

Burnaice Jaworski's dog, Teddy, has had two run-ins with coyotes in Toronto.

"I got so scared," said Jaworski. "I put the leash on him fast and I said, 'Run, Teddy, run!'

"And we ran up the hill as fast as we can."

Attacks on pets are one thing. There's also the possibility that these animals could become bold enough to attack a child.

The coyote is a highly intelligent, elusive and adaptable animal. And it has made a permanent home in cities such as Vancouver and Toronto.

They're hard to control and they're not going away on their own. So education and bylaws to prevent feeding the animals is the newest approach to the problem.

"With education, I think we can co-exist with them," said Scott Jarvie of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. "They are very unique for us to have in such a large urban centre."

That's a point not lost on Ann Gray, who makes a hobby of tracking the coyotes in a Toronto park.

"I think it's wonderful to have coyotes," she said.