HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) – Local cats are diseappearing and animal control officers say coyotes may be the culprits.

Animal Control officer Peter MacKinnon says five to six cats have gone missing in the area each week and it’s likely they’re being picked off by coyotes. He says coyotes have thrived in the east, which is good for their species, but bad for outdoor cats.

He advises cat owners to keep their pets inside at night. He says dog owners should make sure their backyards are secure. Trash cans should have tightly secured lids and pet food should not be left outside.

Residents say they hear coyotes howling during summer nights and their young yelping back at them in the morning.