San Francisco, Calif. (KCBS)  -- Usually associated with the open lands of the west, there have been a handful of coyote sightings in very urban San Francisco.

From the Presidio to the bison paddock and botanical gardens of Golden Gate Park, there have been a handful of coyote sightings.

Rose Denis with the San Francisco Recreation and Park told KCBS' Margie Shafer they look like small, mangy dogs.

"Somebody that works at the conservatory of flowers has reported sightings. Some of the gardeners have reported sightings," she said.

Denis said coyotes are nocturnal and an live alone, in pairs or in packs.

Vicky Guldbech with San Francisco Animal Care and Control insists the coyotes are not a public nuisance.

"These animals really want nothing to do with us, so we don't see it being a problem at all in San Francisco."

Guldbech said it is not likely the coyotes in the Presidio will make their way to Golden Gate Park.

"They could, but they'd have to go through neighborhoods. But if they went through the neighborhoods, people would be calling us and we haven't received those calls," she said.

She believes the coyotes were perhaps dumped in the city, the same way some feral cats make their way to the city.

"They don't just appear, people dump animals in the city all the time.

That's how we get feral cats, cats, and more wildlife," said Guldbech.