Owners of small dogs and cats that venture outside should take steps to ensure their pets are safe from coyotes, according to officials at Pinellas County Animal Services (PCAS).
Coyotes have existed throughout Florida since the 1970s. They are amazingly adaptable, can survive in nearly any habitat, and have been spotted regularly in this area. They are active primarily between dusk and dawn and move about solo or in small groups rather than in large packs. At 24 to 37 pounds fully grown, they generally resemble small, scrawny German Shepherds but with long, thin legs and bushy tails.
The PCAS website cites several important points to remember concerning coyotes:
– Providing easy meals for them eliminates their natural fear of humans and increases their population. Keep wildlife wild! – Never leave pet food or trash outside where it will attract wildlife.
– Avoid walking dogs during dawn or dusk hours, which are coyotes’ normal feeding times. Avoid using a retractable leash. Coyotes will notice a dog walked frequently on an extended leash. The coyote will come back, grab the dog, and leave the owner holding an empty leash. When walking a pet, carry a stick, whistle, or air horn.
– Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings. This reduces cover for coyotes and their prey, such as rodents and other small animals.
– Protect children. Although rare, coyotes have been known to seriously injure children. Do not leave young children unattended.
– Protect pets and livestock. These are favorite prey for coyotes. Keep pets indoors, especially at night. When not indoors, keep dogs and cats leashed at all times. A Pinellas County ordinance prohibits dogs and cats from roaming freely.
– Use negative reinforcement. Make sure coyotes know that they are not welcome. Repel them with loud noises, clapping hands, yelling, throwing rocks at them, using air horns, or spraying with a garden hose.
PCAS Director Doug Brightwell says the coyote population in this area is stable, and the creatures are here to stay. The department does not regularly trap and remove them because the void is soon filled by other coyotes attracted to the same food sources. Occasionally, they are spotted during daylight hours as their fear of humans has decreased slightly over time. Mangy, unhealthy-looking coyotes also may appear in the daytime. Such sightings should be reported to PCAS at (727) 582-2600.
Brightwell cites statistics to put the limited danger of coyotes to people in perspective. A recent study found that between 1970 and 2015, there were no coyote attacks causing injury to people in the United States east of Texas.
PCAS welcomes information on sightings for informational purposes at www.pinellascounty.org/forms/4coyote.htm. A private commercial wildlife removal service should be contacted for the removal of individual offending animals.
