MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Coyotes have been heard howling in rural areas of Bollinger County. Normally they don't bother people. But one or two might have killed some dogs recently.

Karen Barlow, a member of the Bollinger County Stray and Rescue Project, said a dog and some puppies turned up missing around Christmas Eve. A neighbor reported some missing dogs as well, she said.

Barlow suspects a coyote may have killed them. She said she frequently hears them howling.

"I saw one in my driveway, about 30 feet from my barn," she said. "They're coming in pretty close."

Jeff Scott, a Department of Conservation agent for Bollinger County, said coyotes have their place in the ecosystem. They eat small rodents and occasionally will take advantage of roadkill. Attacks on pets are often a result of opportunity.

"Generally they're not out there killing dogs, but you might find a rogue animal who realizes he had an easy meal and goes back to get another one," Scott said.

Usually if a coyote is killing pets or small livestock, getting rid of that particular coyote will solve the problem, he said.

Scott said it's likely hundreds of coyotes live in the woods. He compares them to cockroaches, saying they're resilient and can survive anywhere.

They're also fair game. Anyone who suspects coyotes have been feasting on their pets or livestock can legally shoot the intruders or invite hunters onto their property to kill them.

Except for between April 1 and the date spring turkey season is over around mid-May, it's open season on coyotes with no limits. Sometimes even during that period, Scott said, they can be hunted if a landowner suspects coyotes have been killing animals and lets Scott know about it. Coyotes can also be trapped, he said.