Winnipeg is getting a little more wild, with an increase recently of wildlife - especially coyotes - within city limits. Now the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is warning residents to be cautious after they discovered a coyote following a man walking his small dog. 

The WPS says in a release the incident occurred on Saturday evening at 10:30 p.m.

"North District General Patrol supervisor was patrolling the Rivergrove area when he spotted a large coyote on a sidewalk of River Grove Drive at Saul Miller Drive.

"The coyote appeared to be following an elderly man and his small dog from a distance of approximately 30-40 yards. Using the police vehicle’s air horn, the coyote was scared off and eventually made its way to the river area.

The WPS says that AIR1 responded, and they located a pack of coyotes on Shooters Family Golf Centre on Main Street.

The WPS says that they have been notified of number of recent incidents of coyote sightings in the northeast areas of Winnipeg.

They say that coyotes are known to be most active during sunrise and sunset hours.

The WPS advises dog owners to keep dogs on a leash, and pick up and carry small dogs if confronted.

A spokesperson for the province of Manitoba says "the number of reported sightings in the Winnipeg District has increased slightly over the past four years. But," they added, "there is no way to determine if the number of coyotes is increasing. It could be more people becoming aware, and multiple people reporting the same animal."

The spokesperson also pointed out that there have been no reports of attacks on people

The WPS says that anyone encountering aggressive wildlife within the city is asked to contact Winnipeg Police at either 204-986-6222 if the situation is not an emergency or by 911 if they are at immediate risk.

Citizens are also asked to report any aggressive behaviour involving coyotes to the Wildlife Branch of Sustainable Development at 204-945-5221.