The Village of Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department says a village resident was bitten by a coyote Wednesday evening near Elm Place and the Old Croton Aqueduct. Police say the 57-year-old woman took herself to a hospital for treatment. Officials are reminding residents to remain vigilant and use caution in the area, especially during the late night and early morning hours.

Authorities say anyone who spots a coyote should not approach it or attempt to interact with the animal.

Instead, residents should make themselves appear larger, make loud noises and slowly back away while facing the coyote.

Coyote sightings have become increasingly common in suburban communities, authorities say. News 12 has reported on several coyote-related incidents this year, including a coyote taking a pet cat from a yard in Croton-on-Hudson and a dog surviving a coyote attack in Irvington. Officials remind residents to secure food sources and garbage and to keep pets supervised and on a leash or in a fenced area when outdoors.