(AP) - Connecticut state police say a coyoteattacked a woman in Bethany, but she escaped with minor injuries.

Troopers say the woman was walking along the Litchfield Turnpikejust before 10 p.m. Tuesday when the animal attacked her. They sayshe suffered minor cuts to her lower body and is expected to fullyrecover.

Avon authorities say they've had two recent coyote attacks ondogs.

State Department of Environmental Protection officials saycoyote attacks on people are extremely rare, but there has been anincrease in reports of coyotes attacking small pets.

The DEP recommends not allowing pets to run free.