Animal control authorities are placing coyote warning signs at Waveny Park and other parks in New Canaan.

Officials say the signs are meant to spread awareness about wild animals in the parks and to educate people who might encounter them.

If you encounter a coyote, Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm says you should be "loud and big" to frighten the animal.

"I encourage people who walk here regularly to wear whistles, have that air horn, some people are carrying spray," she says.

Halm says that coyotes are growing bolder and less afraid of sniffing around populated areas, but making loud noises can still scare them off.

Authorities say parkgoers should also keep their dogs on a leash.