Coyote attacks have prompted New Castle police to put out a warning to area pet owners.

Police say a coyote emerged from the woods along Kipp Drive last Friday and mauled a 12-year-old dog to death. The homeowners say it was the first time they had spotted a coyote.

Just one week earlier, police say a similar attack happened nearby on Random Farms Drive as a person was walking their dog. The pet ran slightly ahead, and that's when the coyote jumped on it. That dog survived.

Since then, there have been a series of coyote sightings.

Police have posted a 'pet safety alert' on Facebook, and sent out emails warning owners not to leave their dogs outside unless it's in a fenced-in area at least 6 feet high.

Meanwhile, neighbors want to know whether this is the work of a single coyote or a pack. Police still aren't able to answer that question.