December 10, 2020 By Katie Roundtree

Local news recently ran a segment on coyote sightings in the Palm Beach and residents in our area have commented on coyote sightings in the past, especially around dusk and dawn.  The following information is from a publication by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWC) and the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. It provides information on coyotes and their interaction with people:

Living with coyotes

Coyotes are found throughout Florida. This adaptable animal belongs to the dog family and resembles a small German shepherd. In Florida, coyotes typically weigh between 15-30 pounds. They have pointed ears, a narrow muzzle and a bushy tail. Males tend to be larger than females. Coyote fur is usually grayish-brown but occasionally is black. When running, the coyote usually holds its tail at “half mast” or straight out behind it, unlike most domestic dogs.

The scientific name of the coyote, Canis latrans, literally means “barking dog.” Coyotes use a variety of vocalizations such as barking like dogs, but most often they are heard making shrill yips and howls. Howling is often a group effort that begins as a simple howl, but quickly increases into a series of group howls and high-pitched barks.

Coyotes typically are shy and elusive, but they occasionally can be spotted either alone, in pairs or in small groups where food is readily available. Coyotes remain active year-round and play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to keep rodent populations under control.

Keep your pets safe

Coyotes can and do prey on domestic cats and small dogs. To protect your pets, don’t allow them to roam freely. Most coyote attacks on pets occur either at night or at dusk or dawn. During these times especially, be careful if you’re walking your pet in wooded areas or in heavily foliaged areas where coyotes could hide. Keep your dog close, on a short leash. Keep cats indoors. When cats wander freely, there’s an increased risk of them being attacked by coyotes. Coyotes are also attracted by garbage. Problems can be significantly reduced if residents remove attractants and secure trash.

Preventing problems

NEVER feed coyotes! Don’t place food outdoors that will attract wild animals. Clean up pet food, fallen fruit, and seed around bird feeders. Secure garbage cans and compost in animal-proof containers. Don’t try to pet a coyote and teach children not to approach any unfamiliar animal.

Don’t let coyotes intimidate you. Frighten away coyotes by making loud noises and acting aggressively, such as waving your arms in the air, throwing sticks at it or spraying it with a hose. Don’t attempt to hurt it because injured animals are more likely to attack.

Be aware of unusual coyote behavior. Examples of unusual coyote behavior include coyotes approaching people, stalking pets, chasing joggers or bikers or attacking leashed pets.

Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds. Coyotes and other animals use such areas for resting and raising young.

Teach children to recognize and not to run from coyotes. If children are approached, have them move slowly into a house or climb up on a swing, tree or deck and yell.

Educate your neighbors. Ask them to follow these same steps.

Co-existing with coyotes

Coyotes can be curious but are also timid and generally run away if challenged. Just remember that any wild animal will protect itself or its young. Never initiate a close encounter with a coyote.

Where coyote encounters occur regularly, walk pets at other times besides nighttime hours, dusk and dawn. Carry something that will make noise or scare the animal, such as a solid walking stick or golf club. These things may deter the coyote at close range. Make a “coyote shaker” by putting a few washers, peb­bles or pennies into an empty soft drink can. Wrap the can in foil and tape closed.

Myths about coyotes

Coyotes are extremely dangerous: FALSE!

There have been very few reported cases of Eastern coyotes biting people. The coyote’s innate fear of humans tends to keep them from getting too close.

Coyotes are a new problem: FALSE!

Coyotes have been in Florida for many years and will continue to make their homes around the state. This medium-sized predator is extremely adaptable, thriving in urban, suburban and rural areas.

Coyotes need our help to survive: FALSE!

People like to feed animals. However, by providing a “free lunch” for coyotes, you eliminate their natural fear of humans and increase their populations. Remember … a fed coyote causes problems. Keep them wild!

Coyotes can be totally eliminated: FALSE!

Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective method to control populations. They compensate by increasing litter size and new coyotes move into areas where others have been removed. Populations can quickly return to original size.

Photo credit: Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID. This information was produced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) for the people of the state of Florida and is reproduced with permission.