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FWC searches for coyote May 21, 2008 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) stepped up its patrol and search in neighborhoods in Lee County where three reports of apparent coyote clashes with dogs have occurred in the past two weeks. Most recently, Susan Love walked her two dogs -- a 2-pound pekinese and another 20-pound dog when they encountered a coyote May 19. The larger of the two dogs challenged the wild animal and won. The animal left the area without harming the pets. On May 10, in the same vicinity, Lance Franklin walked his 2-year-old Malti-poo after dark. A canine-like animal approached and attacked the small dog, snapping the leash. And then the dog disappeared with the attacking animal. Over the next week, several sightings of a similar animal occurred in the same area. Then, on May 17, Yeadon Hyer, 71, was walking his pekinese within a mile of the previous dog attacks. An 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 an incident report by FWC Lt. Jeff Rebon. The coyote eventually left the area, after killing the dog. Working with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, the FWC has beefed up patrols in this area. FWC law enforcement officials suspect the same animal might be responsible for all three attacks. Based on descriptions from the victims, officials also believe they are searching for a coyote. 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 find food available there and become accustomed to humans. “Be cautious when walking outside after dark and around water,” said Gary Morse, spokesperson for the FWC. “To be on the safe side, carry a flashlight, noisemaker and a walking stick.” Morse also advised pet owners to always keep their dogs on a leash and stay alert. Coyotes are elusive, most active at dawn and dusk, but they can show up anytime of night or day. They occur in all 67 Florida counties. “Measures to handle coyotes that become nuisances will be dealt with by the FWC on a case-by-case basis,” said Greg Holder, director of the FWC’s Southwest Region. “A sighting of a coyote should not necessarily cause concern, because coyotes do exist and will continue to exist near humans, but they naturally prefer to avoid contact with people. 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.” If you suspect a potential problem with any wildlife, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). |
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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