A clever coyote continues to prowl an east end neighbourhood, though city officials have been trying for weeks to capture it.

The coyote was first spotted last February when it jumped a fence in the Neville Park Blvd. and Queen St. East area. It attacked and killed a chihuahua, Zoe, after jumping into the yard of a residence backing out onto a ravine.

The pet's owners said they spotted the predator back in their yard over the weekend, and they're not the only ones. Residents have been taking photos of and even painting the coyote, who some have taken to calling Neville.

"I would be happy to co-exist with him," one local artist suggested. "I love having him in my back garden."

Officials warn homeowners who've taken a shine to the creature that he does pose a threat, as evidenced by what happened to Zoe. They say the coyote is too tame and must be moved.

Though there was talk that the coyote might have to be euthanized, the city is now reportedly trying to capture the animal in a box trap so it can be moved to a zoo or wildlife refuge.

"We're focused on the box traps, because the best thing about the box trap is you not only catch it but it's movable," noted Rob Andrusevich with the City of Toronto. "That's our number one option."

If you see a coyote near your home, give Toronto Animal Services a call at 416-338-7297.