BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. -- The coyote population is growing in Bloomfield Hills to the point where safety is becoming a concern.

The city said something has to be done about the population because the city has been receiving so many calls of coyote sightings in residents' backyards. And many of the calls are from residents who fear for the safety of their pets.

"Well I heard the howling, that's the scary part," said resident Suzanne Johnson.

Johnson lives next door to where a Yorkshire terrier was plucked from his backyard and found eaten, allegedly by a coyote.

Johnson said she's fearful for the safety of her pets, which include a cat and dog.

A 40-pound coyote was recently trapped and city officials said there are at least five dens throughout area woods.

The city said it will be offering up trained sharpshooters to residents who report seeing the coyotes too close to their homes.

"Clearly if there was any other humane way to do it, I'm more than interested in doing it," said Bloomfield Hills Director of Public Safety Rick Matott. "Or at least I'll refer them to the homeowners who may desire that kind of assistance."

Any trapping or shooting is not expected until January.