Coyotes On the Move in Summertime Florida

Roaming alligators may snag most of the headlines this time of year, but they aren’t the only creatures on the prowl in the summer months.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says that coyotes, too, tend to be more active this time of year. Unfortunately, increased activity levels can sometimes bring them a little too close to people – and their pets – for comfort.

“Right now, coyotes across the state are raising pups that were born in the spring, and they may be more active as they look for food for themselves and their young,” explained Lisa Thompson, spokeswoman for FWC.

Coyotes were featured in an ongoing educational campaign on the agency’s Facebook page that’s designed to highlight some of the creatures FWC receives the most calls about. When it comes to coyotes, “our wildlife assistance biologists get a lot of calls,” the agency said.

With a range that covers all 67 Florida counties and run-ins with pets well documented throughout the state and the Tampa Bay area, coyotes can be a bit of a nuisance, but they’re an important part of the ecosystem, the agency says. “Coyotes fill an important role in the ecosystem by keeping rodent and small predator (fox, raccoon, opossum) populations under control.”

See Also:

• Florida Gators on the Move As Temperatures Rise
• Coyotes Plentiful in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough

Their value to the ecosystem makes them one of the creatures FWC does not make a habit of trapping when they are found. “Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective method to control populations,” the agency explained on its website. “New coyotes move into areas where others have been removed.”

The areas where coyotes are found pretty much cover the entire state, regardless of human development.

“They can be found in rural, suburban and even urban areas,” FWC wrote on Facebook. “Coyotes are generally shy and elusive but residents see them more often as they adapt to areas near where people work and live. And while coyotes are typically more active at dusk and dawn, it is not unusual to see them out during the day.”

There are some tips the agency offers for humans who do encounter these critters:

• Make loud noises – Coyotes typically pose no threat to people, but if they do get too close making a lot of noise can frighten the creatures away. Noisemakers, including horns and pots and pans, can be useful.
• Throwing objects – Throwing small stones or sticks near – but not at – coyotes will generally get the creatures to run away. Spraying water hoses or bear repellent can also be helpful, FWC says. “Do not attempt to hurt the coyote because injured animals are more likely to defend themselves.”
• Teach kids to recognize coyotes – Children should know the difference between coyotes and dogs and know not to approach them. They should also be taught to retreat slowly and not run.
• Protect pets – Cats should be kept indoors and small dogs walked on a leash. Pets should be kept in a fenced yard, as well, with attractants such as food removed at night.

Residents who encounter coyote problems may call FWC’s Wildlife Alert number at 888-404-3922.

To check out the entire series on creatures FWC receives a lot of calls on, visit the agency’s Facebook page. To learn more about living with coyotes, visit FWC online.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission