INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indianapolis Animal Care and Control has issued a warning to pet owners after learning two small dogs have been killed by coyotes.

Animal Care and Control Chief Dennis Papenmeier tells WISH-TV (http://bit.ly/1P9wvnX ) that coyotes usually attack dogs in rural areas on the outskirts of Marion County, so there's no reason to panic. But he says pet owners should be proactive and watch over their small dogs or cats when they're outdoors.

Spring is birthing season for coyotes, and Papenmeier says that could cause the animals to be more aggressive this time of year.