Coyote spotted by patrol officer in Neptune Beach

On the eve of Halloween, people are reporting coyote sightings in Neptune Beach.

Police are telling neighbors to be mindful of their pets after a police officer saw the coyote run toward an apartment complex.

The officer was on patrol near Penman Road and 12 Oaks Lane North when he saw the coyote run toward the Ocean Oaks Apartments.

A picture taken of a coyote in Neptune Beach is circulating on social media. We showed the picture to neighbors, who were surprised to hear about the sighting.

"It is a little unusual for suburbia," Neptune Beach resident Rusty Jakes said.

The officer who spotted the coyote said he found a couple of dead cats in the area but police aren't sure the coyote was responsible.

People say there are a lot of pet owners as well as stray cats at the Ocean Oaks Apartments.

"We do have a couple of cats that own the complex … . They just let us live here," said Phil Reed, who lives in the complex.

Neptune Beach police say the coyotes are extremely shy toward people and don't usually present a public safety threat.

They do say to be mindful of your pets, especially at dawn and dusk. Neptune Beach police released the following statement:

"A confirmed sighting of one apparent adult coyote was observed by Patrol Officers recently in the early morning hours. We have not received any credible information regarding household pets, including dogs or cats, being attacked. Native predatory mammals such as foxes and coyotes are occasionally seen in the beaches area but are extremely shy and usually do not present a public safety risk. As with any wild animal, never approach or try to feed them. Be mindful with your pets, especially at dawn, dusk and during the overnight hours. Any further requests we ask that you contact the FWC."

Neighbors at Ocean Oaks said they don't believe the stray cats will have much of a problem.

"I think they can pretty well take care of themselves. If they can keep the raccoons away, then I got a feeling they'll be able to take care of a coyote," Reed said.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website, coyotes are adaptable to many areas and can be found all over Florida.

Police say coyotes and foxes have occasionally been spotted in the beaches area.

Cox Media Group