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By: Sharon Aron Baron

The Woodlands Tamarac has reported over the years of several incidents where coyotes have been spotted in our neighborhood.

More than likely, they were here before us and typically have posed no danger to humans, however, they have posed a danger to resident’s pets as we have reported before:

Besieged by Coyotes or Just Media Hype?

We have received several emails of coyote sightings in the neighborhood and it’s that time again to warn old as well as new neighbors about some basic facts about coyotes from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservaton Commission.

1. Coyotes are found throughout the State of Florida and have been in the state since the 1970’s.

2. Coyotes are in the same family (Canidea) as dogs, wolves and foxes. They are medium in size (2 ft. in height, 20 – 35 lbs.). Their coat varies from gray to rusty brown and the tail is bushy. Gray foxes are frequently misidentified as coyotes, due to the striking similarity in color pattern of the coats.

3. Coyotes are very adaptable, living in virtually all terrestrial and marsh habitats, including urban/suburban areas.

4. Coyotes are omnivores (plant and animal eaters). They eat just about anything. Like turkey vultures, they are often seen scavenging on road kill and other animal carcasses. Their diverse diet is the reason they can adapt so easily to a variety of habitats.

5. Coyotes usually hunt alone or in pairs, but rarely, as a pack.

6. Coyotes are most active at dawn and/or dusk but have been seen anytime of the day. Home ranges can vary from 1,500 to 12,000 acres.

7. Coyotes are generally shy and elusive. Like all wildlife, feeding of coyotes will result in eliminating their natural fear of humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I protect my cat or dog from coyotes?
·        NEVER feed coyotes.
·        Never leave pet food out at night.
·        Feed your pets indoors. If you must feed your pet outside, do so during the day.
·        Make sure all trash is in a secure container.
·        Keep pets indoors or in an outdoor cage from dusk until dawn. A fence may help deter coyotes, but is not full-proof.
·        Install motion sensitive lights in your backyard and around your house.
·        Clear brush and vegetation to remove habitat for small animals (rodents) that may attract coyotes. Its removal also eliminates areas where coyotes can hide while stalking prey.
·        Always keep pets on a leash when walking in parks, forested areas or residential areas.

What should I do if I see a coyote?
·        It is important that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans.
·        Make sure coyotes know they are not welcome.
·        Make loud noises.
·        Throw things at them.
·        Spray them with a garden hose

Do coyotes attack people?
Normally coyotes are timid and shy away from people. Although rare, coyotes have attacked humans. Most attacks resulted in minor bites and scratches to people attempting to intervene in an attack upon a pet. Never leave children unattended in areas known or suspected to be frequented by coyotes.

What diseases or parasites can coyotes carry?
·        Distemper
·        Hepatitis
·        Parvo virus
·        Mange
·        Coyotes can be infected with rabies.
·        Numerous parasites can live on a coyote including mites, ticks, fleas, worms, flukes and heartworm.

Where do coyotes take their kill to eat it?
·        Coyotes are very skilled hunters.
·        Coyotes kill an animal because it is a food source.
·        Coyotes usually take their prey with them to a safe place to eat.
·        They may carry their prey up to 1 mile before consuming it.
·        They do not leave much behind and tend to eat whatever they can fit in their mouth. In some cases, they have even eaten the leather collar of a pet. For this reason, not much evidence or waste is left behind.