It's bad enough that the residents of D.C. are defenseless against muggers and rapists, but now they have another predator to watch out for: coyotes.

News of the sightings -- and of the dog attacks -- is zooming across the upper Northwest neighborhoods west of the park. Some people wonder whether their children or small pets are at risk. Others are amazed to see a bit of the Wild West on city streets.

When coyotes came around in the wild west, citizens took out their rifles and took care of the problem. In D.C., they hope the police arrive before their children or dogs are eaten.