CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A small Bichon Frise dog died after being attacked by a coyote Friday in Canton Township, according to police.

Police said the animal's owner let two dogs, both Bichon Frises, into his backyard near Saltz and Beck roads just after 5 a.m. Friday. One of the dogs was attacked by a coyote and later died from injuries it suffered in the attack.

A Bichon Frise is a relatively small dog.

Coyote sightings are not uncommon in the metro Detroit area. A coyote attacked a Cocker Spaniel in January on Grosse Ile. Earlier this month coyotes attacked and killed a dog in Shelby Township.

According to Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, coyotes have migrated into urban and suburban

areas throughout the state. The animals are most likely to be spotted during their breeding period, which occurs in

Michigan from mid-January into March. Coyotes are active day and night, but peak activity usually

occurs at sunrise and sunset.

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