News Release

Search for suspected coyote in Bonita Springs area under way

May 20, 2008
Contact: Gary Morse 863-648-3200

• Coyote FAQs

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), along with several other agencies, continues to search for an animal thought to be a coyote that killed a dog on Sunday night in Bonita Springs.

Yeadon Hyer, 71, was walking his Pekingese when the animal approached and attacked his dog. Hyer attempted to intervene by kicking the animal, which resulted in cuts on top of his left foot and two broken toes, according to the FWC’s Lt. Jeff Rebon. However, Hyer was unable to save the dog.

This was the second report of an animal killing a dog in this area in the past 10 days. The first attack took place within a mile of Sunday’s incident, and FWC law enforcement officials suspect it might be the same animal.

Working with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and Lee County Animal Services, the FWC has beefed up patrols in this area and asks anyone with any problems with coyotes to call the Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

As development encroaches upon the habitats of wildlife, encounters between wild animals and humans are inevitable, but tragic incidents can be minimized by following a few simple guidelines, according to the FWC.

Keeping wildlife attractants, such as pet food and unsecured garbage cans, out of the yard will help keep wildlife from entering neighborhoods. Coyotes in particular look for easy sources of food and will become comfortable in urban settings if they are provided food and become accustomed to humans.

“Be cautious when walking outside after dark and around water,” said Gary Morse, spokesperson for the FWC. “Carry a flashlight, noisemaker and a walking stick when walking with small animals. That will help scare away wildlife simply looking for an easy source of food.”

Coyotes are elusive, becoming more active at dawn and dusk, but they can be seen at anytime during the night or day.

“The FWC will deal with coyotes that become nuisances on a case-by-case basis,” said Nick Wiley, director of the FWC’s Division of Hunting and Game Management. “A sighting of a coyote does not constitute a concern, because coyotes do exist and will continue to exist near humans. However, if there is a specific local problem, as we suspect in this case, we are dedicated to solving the problem and working with other agencies to protect residents from harm.”