KINGSTON, MA — A warning is in place in Kingston after an aggressive coyote attacked and bit a man doing yard work on Hillcrest Road in the middle of the day Tuesday. The animal has not been found, and wildlife officials are patrolling the area while urging residents to stay alert.

At a glance

• Animal: Coyote
• Where: Hillcrest Road area of Kingston, Massachusetts
• When: Tuesday, during the day
• What happened: A coyote ran out of the woods line and attacked a man who was leaf-blowing in his yard
• Status: The animal has not been located; Massachusetts Environmental Police are patrolling the area
• Anyone hurt: The man was bitten but is OK and received precautionary rabies treatment

What happened

Kingston Animal Control says the attack happened in a quiet neighborhood where homes back up to woods, trails and a river. Police Chief Brian Holmes said the man was using a leaf blower when the coyote came out of the tree line and attacked his leg.

Holmes said the animal appeared sick, describing it as mangy and giving it a wet-faced, drunken look. Officials have not confirmed whether the coyote had rabies, but the man was treated out of caution.

Massachusetts Environmental Police were alerted Wednesday and have been patrolling the area. They said no new sightings have been reported to them so far.

Residents are being told to be careful in the neighborhood, especially people walking dogs or using the trails behind the homes. Police also said the public should not try to hunt the animal.

About the animal

Coyotes are medium-sized wild canines with pointed ears, narrow muzzles and bushy tails. Adults commonly weigh around 20 to 50 pounds, though size can vary depending on location and food supply.

They are adaptable animals that eat a wide range of foods, including rodents, rabbits, birds, fruit and sometimes pet food or garbage. In suburban areas, coyotes can become used to people if they find easy food or if they are not frightened away.

Coyotes are found across much of the United States, including New England. They are generally shy around people, but they can pose a risk when they act boldly, look sick, or become habituated to humans or pets.

If you encounter one

Wildlife officials say to make yourself appear larger, make noise and back away slowly if a coyote approaches. Do not run, turn your back or try to feed or corner the animal.

Keep children close and pets on a leash, especially near woods, trails or open space at dawn, dusk and in areas where coyotes have been seen. If a coyote follows you, throw sticks or other objects toward it without approaching.

Residents should also remove outdoor food sources, secure trash and avoid leaving pet food outside. Anyone who sees a coyote acting strangely or aggressively should contact local animal control at 781-585-0529.

What happens next

Massachusetts Environmental Police are continuing to patrol the area while officials look for the coyote. Kingston authorities are asking residents to use extreme caution until there is more information about the animal.

People in the Hillcrest Road area are being urged to avoid the woods edge if possible and to report any new sightings right away. Police say the public should not attempt to trap or hunt the coyote on their own.

Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.