Coyotes Rampant On Lawrenceville Street

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Coyotes on Culver Street in Lawrenceville have people running inside their homes. Thursday morning, police were called after people saw a coyote walking down the sidewalk.

"We've seen as many as four or five traveling as a group," said mom Allyson Patton.

Patton is worried about the coyotes that have roamed the area for months.

"We hear when they're in a pack that's when they're ready to attack," said Patton.

More recently she says the coyotes have become more aggressive, even catching and eating cats.

"A couple of my neighbors have bought guns because of it," said Patton.

She's afraid the next target could be neighborhood kids.

"I want them out of here. I mean, we have little kids that run back and forth across the street. A very a family knit community and we're scared. We're scared that they're going to attack them," said Patton.

"What if they bite somebody?" said Mary Blair.

Blair owns a salon on the street and regularly sees the coyotes.

"They're mangy and ugly, and I don't like them for our clients when our clients or employees are parking," said Blair.

Neighbors said often times when someone spots one, they yell, and everyone heads indoors.

"I usually run to Michael's house and scream, 'The coyotes are coming,'" said 5-year-old Mallory Patton.

Her mom just wants the animals out of her neighborhood.

"They're sick. They're very skinny. You almost feel sorry for them but what can you do?" said Patton.

The coyotes are spotted about three times a week. Police have told neighbors to shoot the coyotes if they feel threatened. Their only other option is to pay to have them trapped.

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