MILTON, MASS. (WHDH) - Police are urging Milton residents to exercise caution at night after a coyote attacked a dog early Saturday morning.

According to Milton police, the incident happened around 4:00 a.m. on the Milton/Quincy line.

The small dog that was bitten was off a leash, and police said it may have chased the coyote.

Police said there is no threat to the public at this time, and coyotes in Milton are not an unusual occurrence.

The Milton Police Department released the following statement:

First, coyotes have lived in Milton for years. Our ACO is working with Fish and Wildlife. We are in a time of year where female coyotes have given birth and are protective of young pups. We do believe the incident this am involved a female coyote.

Police are urging residents to be extra careful at night, especially when letting pets outside.

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