News Release

FWC says Estero coyotes probably a pair

June 10, 2008
Contact:  Gary Morse, 863-227-3830

• Coyote FAQs

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) believe a pair of coyotes is responsible for recent attacks on small pets in an Estero neighborhood. 

The FWC has received a handful of reports of coyotes attacking small dogs on leashes in recent weeks in Estero. In two confirmed cases, the dogs did not survive. These attacks have occurred in close proximity, suggesting a single pair of coyotes is responsible.

On Sunday night, an FWC officer was called to North Ridge Court in Estero after reports of another attack on a small dog. Debra Berry was walking her dachshund on a short leash and carrying a golf club when a coyote attacked her dog. According to the incident report, Berry said she tried to cover the dog with her body, but while on the ground, she was bitten in the leg by the coyote and on the nose by her dog. She managed to stand and pick up her dog as neighbors came to assist, eventually chasing the coyote away.

In an incident on June 4, Estero resident Jay Shaplow took some FWC-recommended precautions that probably saved the life of his pet Shih Tzu.  Shaplow was walking softly and carrying a big stick when he fought off an attacking coyote with his cane. He then picked up the dog and backed away.  

“Confirmed reports of other attacks on small dogs firmly center the problem in the area where Shaplow was walking his dog – between Three Oaks Parkway and U.S. 41, south of Williams Road,” said Gary Morse, FWC spokesman.

The FWC cautions area residents to be vigilant when walking their small dogs, especially after dark, and recommends the following: 

• Carry a stout walking stick, golf club or other implement to ward off attacks on small pets.
• Pepper spray and other similar products are also effective. 
• Flashlights and noisemakers, including your own voice, can be used in conjunction with clubs and sprays. 
• The closer you keep the dog to you while walking it, the safer your pet will be.
• Avoid walking your dog near heavy vegetation.
• If a coyote approaches, pick your pet up and back away. 
• Make sure your pet is vaccinated.

“Owners should never put themselves in a vulnerable, submissive position with a wild animal,” Morse said. “Pick up the dog and make yourself appear as large as possible.”

The FWC continues to work with other government agencies and Critter Control, a professional nuisance wildlife trapping company, to pinpoint and trap the specific animals causing these attacks.
Morse said that in Florida, coyotes – along with a host of other animals like wild hogs, raccoons, bobcats, bears, armadillos, squirrels, sandhill cranes and alligators – are common in urbanized areas throughout the state.  These animals can come into conflict with humans, occasionally creating serious situations.

He said it’s best for pet owners to avoid areas where coyotes can hide in vegetation to await small dogs, and make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.

Residents can find valuable information on avoiding problems with Florida’s wildlife by visiting MyFWC.com or by calling the FWC’s Southwest Region Office during regular business hours at 863-648-3200.  Attacks on pets or humans by wildlife should be reported to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922, anytime, day or night.