Coyote attacks on the rise in Ladera Ranch

LADERA RANCH, ORANGE COUNTY (KABC) -- Residents in a Ladera Ranch neighborhood are keeping their kids closer and their dogs on shorter leashes. They say coyote attacks have been on the increase. Two dogs have been killed in recent weeks.

Kate Lines says her family dog was taken by coyotes last month.

"Luckily for us Santa brought a new dog to help ease these kids' pain and we don't let her go outside at all without someone," Lines said. "We have five kids, two small toddlers, and they're not allowed outside anymore 'cause you see them in the daytime, a couple days a week."

Fliers have been posted warning neighbors in the Terramor Village Community to keep their small pets indoors after dark. However, residents say they've seen coyotes wandering around in the middle of the day.

Troyce Hargis-Monroe, the neighborhood coordinator, says residents have been told to be aware of their surroundings.

"Keep an eye on your dog. Don't let them loose, be out on their own. I have not heard them attacking people or kids until recently, where they kind of confronted somebody," Hargis-Monroe said.

Concerned residents say they've contacted animal control.