Coyotes in Baton Rouge neighborhood

BATON ROUGE (NBC33) — When small pets started disappearing a couple months back, people in the Woodlawn Acres neighborhood of Baton Rouge didn't expect that a deadly predator was on the loose. But then, the truth became very clear.

"Then we started finding remains of cats," said Kenny Weber. "Personally, we've lost four."

Roaming coyotes have now been spotted coming from the wooded areas surrounding the neighborhood. Two were spotted and thought to be dogs by a young family playing in the park.

"Her kids tried to call them over," Weber said. "Thank goodness there was a BREC officer there, and he said those are coyotes, not dogs."

The parish animal control sent a worker to set up a trap, baited with food and a trap door to try and catch the coyote.

Animal Control said they've received several complaints from people who live on the street about possible predators on the loose.

Residents and animal lovers can only hope that the traps are successful.

"Our pets are children, if you like pets," Weber said. "And it's very disheartening when something happens to them."