MANCHESTER — A coyote on the loose in some east Manchester neighborhoods is acting strangely, biting the heel of a woman in broad daylight and nibbling on the door handle of a car, Manchester police said.

The coyote has been spotted at Ledgewood retirement community, a neighborhood of manufactured housing off Candia Road. And it has been spotted on Wells Street and Morse Road, at one point approaching pet dogs and laying down in a submissive manner.

On Ledgewood Way, the coyote bit the heel of a woman Monday about 9 a.m. The animal later nibbled the door handle of a Ledgewood maintenance man’s vehicle.

Manchester police said the behavior is unusual, and the city’s animal control officer is working with New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers.

In the meantime, police said residents should not approach wildlife and avoid any contact.