Coyote Sightings Reported In Oldsmar

From the City of Oldsmar:

Posted on January 27, 2020

Coyote Sightings

There have been recent reports of coyotes in Oldsmar. Coyotes live in suburban areas throughout the state and are now a naturalized species in all Florida counties. They are typically shy and elusive, but they occasionally can be spotted either alone, in pairs, or in small grounds where food is readily available.

If you should encounter one, here are some useful tips to prevent and help avoid conflicts.

• Secure your garbage cans, clean up pet food, and fallen fruit. Coyotes eat whatever is available, including fruits, nuts, seeds, and rodents. Remember, feeding coyotes is ILLEGAL – they will lose their fear of humans.
• Keep pets in enclosed areas. Coyotes can and do prey on domestic cats and small dogs. Walk dogs on a short leash. Walk pets at other times besides nighttime hours, dusk, and dawn. Carry something that will make noise or scare them.
• Don’t let coyotes intimidate you. Frighten them away by making loud noises and acting aggressively, such as waving your arms in the air, spraying it with a hose, or throwing sticks at it. Continue until the animal leaves; otherwise, they will learn to wait to learn until the activity stops.

If you feel they are aggressive, please report them to the Florida Wildlife Commission Wildlife Alert by calling 888-404-3922. By preventing conflicts, we can better coexist with coyotes and other wildlife. Learn more by visiting https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/coyote/

Learn more about Coyotes

This press release was produced by the City of Oldsmar. The views expressed here are the author’s own.