GREENFIELD, Wis (CBS 58) -- A family in the Greenfield area, near W. Beloit Road and W. Cold Springs Road, says a pack of coyotes has tried to attack their dog multiple times in the last several months in their backyard.

“They don’t seem to be afraid of people, and I can’t have my dog outside, Muffin, because she was already - this year, since December, three times they came at night to attack her,” Greenfield resident Janet Zuber said.

Zuber says she’s contacted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, who gave her tips on how to make the coyotes go away, including getting an air horn, making noises, and using lights.

The coyotes still come back, so Zuber has not been letting the family dog, Muffin, outside at night.

“Once I fell twice trying to bring her into the house,” Zuber said. “We bought pads for her to use, which is confusing to her because she doesn’t know yet, what that is.”

Ring camera video shows the coyotes in the backyard.

CBS 58

“The fact that they stopped advancing and then they ran off when the owner of the dog came out and got the dog under control, those are all good signs and that’s normal, that’s what we would consider normal,” UWM professor and extension wildlife specialist David Drake said.

Drake says the coyote breeding season lasts from December to February.

“The time when they’re breeding these three months, they tend to be more active than any other time during the year,” Drake said.

Despite the low chances, Drake says coyotes can attack quickly, and owners should go outside with dogs and keep them close by. Owners should pick up their dogs if coyotes are close and the dog is under 20 pounds. 

“If the coyotes do want to attack, they can do it amazingly quick, and even if you’re calling your dog too, your dog may not get to you before the coyote gets to it,” Drake said.

Zuber is not just worried about Muffin, but also herself and the rest of the neighborhood, as she continues to look for answers on what to do.

“If you’re going to develop these areas, why aren't the people developing rehoming these animals?” Zuber said.