LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. — There has been an increase in coyote sightings across the Bay area.

And while a glimpse of the wildlife may seem exhilarating, it can be dangerous.

Last week, an 83-year-old woman was walking her chihuahua through a Seffner neighborhood when they were attacked.

The coyote went after her dog first, and then her. She said the coyote knocked her to the ground and bit one of her fingers. She was able to get away and get help.

Coyote sightings have also been reported in Longboat Key. People have spotted them all over town, even on the beach — 20 sightings since August.

No attacks have been reported, but some residents are concerned.

"These sightings have been relatively constant with few gaps lasting several days and as the locations listed show, the animals have been all over the island," said Police Chief Pete Cumming.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold two meetings to update residents on the coyotes and the options for dealing with them. But there are some problems.

The only traps that are effective are inhumane and in this case wouldn't be used because the coyotes have not hurt anyone.

Cage traps only work about 10 percent of the time.

And even if the coyotes are trapped, they can only be moved about 40 miles and can potentially wander back into the same area.

For now, residents are being asked to walk dogs in shorter leashes. And if they spot a coyote, the best thing to do is shout and wave their hands in the air. That's usually all it will take to scare them away.

The FWC meetings will be at 10 a.m. at All Angels Episcopal Church on Bay Isles Road and 2 p.m. at Christ Church off Mexico Drive.