White Township resident Colleen McDonald heard a scream and in the next moment saw a coyote running off with her 6-pound chihuahua, Mindy, in its jaws.

The incident occurred April 24.

There are roughly 3,000 coyotes in New Jersey and the population is growing. Fatal dog attacks are rarely reported; coyotes are more likely to attack cats. Coyotes also prey on livestock, particularly sheep.

A spokeswoman for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife said conservation officers looked for, but were unable to locate, the coyote or Mindy. She said McDonald was advised to hire someone to trap the coyote that wandered onto her property.

On Tuesday, a black bear was spotted roaming around Alpha and Pohatcong Township. Are you worried about bear and coyote and populations in your community? Post a comment.