GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- Some Greenwood Village residents said several dogs and a boy were attacked by coyotes that they say have become aggressive.

One resident said three dogs have been killed by coyotes and several others injured. Residents said they can't let their dogs outside alone or let their children play outside.

Two different residents said a boy was attacked by a coyote while riding his skateboard. They said he was able to fend off the coyote with the skateboard.

Residents said the coyotes are going into the back yards of nearby homes and in some cases jumping over fences.

Michelle Wilson said a coyote mauled her small dog four days before Christmas.

"There were just hunks of flesh hanging off his neck and pierce wounds all over his neck," Wilson said.

Greenwood Village residents estimate that more than 20 coyotes live in the area and said they believe they have become more brazen and aggressive.

"When we walk in the morning the coyotes are following us or are walking parallel to us," said concerned resident Judith Hahl.

The local police department is hosting a meeting Thursday night to address the concern.

But Wilson said the only answer is to thin the coyote population.

"Humans and wild animals don't co-exist," Wilson said.

Others said the coyotes aren't to blame.

"I think they should address the fact that we have moved into the coyotes' neighborhood," said resident Linda Israel.

The coyotes have been attacking mostly small dogs but some said they fear small children could be next.

"The children in our neighborhood are what are dramatically concerning me," Wilson said.

Police said they hope to educate residents at Thursday's meeting about wildlife in the area as well as listen to their concerns. They said they then hope to draft up some sort of plan to deal with the issues.

The meeting is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Greenwood Village City Hall.