September 23, 2024 By Katie Roundtree

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 and 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 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 they are most often heard making shrill yips and howls. Howling is often a group effort, a form of communication that helps them establish territory and coordinate group activities. It begins as a simple howl but quickly increases into a series of group howls and high-pitched barks.

Coyotes, typically shy and elusive, play an essential role in the ecosystem by helping control rodent populations. Their presence is a testament to the balance of nature, and we should appreciate their contribution.

Keep your pets safe

Coyotes can prey on domestic cats and small dogs. To protect your pets, don’t allow them to roam freely. Most coyote attacks on pets occur at night, dusk or dawn. During these times especially, be careful if you’re walking your pet in wooded or heavily foliage areas where coyotes could hide. Keep your dog close on a short leash. Keep cats indoors. When cats wander freely, they are more likely to be attacked by coyotes. Coyotes are also attracted by garbage, as it provides an easy and reliable food source. Residents can significantly reduce problems by moving attractants and securing trash.

Preventing problems

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

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

Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds. Coyotes and other animals use such areas to rear and raise young.

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

Educate your neighbors. By sharing this knowledge, you can empower them to take the necessary precautions and prevent conflicts with coyotes. Ask them to follow these same steps.

Co-existing with coyotes

Coyotes can be curious but are also timid and 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 it 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, so there’s no need to fear them excessively.

Coyotes are a new problem: FALSE!

Coyotes have been in Florida for many years and will continue to make their homes around the state. Coyotes should be considered native or naturalized species, not exotics. Fossil fragments recovered from Florida indicate coyotes occurred in the state as early as the late Pliocene (2 million years before the present). Coyotes are found across the state and have been documented in all 67 counties. This medium-sized predator is exceptionally adaptable and thrives in urban, suburban and rural areas.

Coyotes need our help to survive: FALSE!

People like to feed animals. However, providing coyotes with a “free lunch” eliminates their natural fear of humans and increases their population. Remember … a fed coyote causes problems.

Coyotes can be eliminated: FALSE!

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