WILTON MANORS, FLA. (WSVN) - After a string of coyote sightings throughout Broward County, officials are trying to get the word out in order to keep everyone safe.
On Thursday, the Wilton Manors Police Department posted on their social media pages that they’e aware of the coyote sightings, and are asking the public to educate themselves on their behavior and what to do if they spot one.
The social media post was partially prompted after Jay Rawls, a resident, posted a picture of a coyote near his home.
Rawls voiced his coyote concerns on Wednesday.
“Right across the river here,” said Rawls as he pointed to the spot where he first spotted the animal.
Another Wilton Manors resident on Wednesday morning recorded video of a coyote roaming around their swimming pool near Northwest 30th Court.
Rawls said he is fed up with the neighborhood nuisance.
“Coyotes are known to take small dogs, cats. They’re very aggressive, not afraid of humans,” said Rawls. “They do carry disease, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
When asked about Wilton Manors Police’s social media post, Rawls said it’s not enough.
“I think that’s a cop-out. They’re an apex predator moving into our very residential area,” he said. “If we lived at the edge of the Everglades, I might accept that, but we’re 40 miles away. This is a problem; they’re kicking the can down the road.”
However, officials said, nothing can be done.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, coyotes live in all areas throughout Florida. If coyotes are removed, they will reproduce and come back.
“They learn humans. They don’t call, they don’t howl like they normally do, because they learn to be around us,” said Rawls, “so what is the pressure that’s pushing them into our areas, is my question.”
Rawls said the coyotes are affecting his life.
“It’s changing our behavior as well. My dogs don’t go out without me,” he said.
But with no way to get rid of them, FWC officials are telling people what to do to safely live among them.
FWC officials warn people that feeding coyotes is illegal, and feeding them will cause them to lose their fear of humans.
Some other tips provided by the FWC include the following:
- secure any garbage
- clean up pet food and fallen fruit
- secure live stock in predator resistant enclosures
- keep pets in enclosed areas
- walk dogs on a short leach
As for Rawls, he remains vigilant as he strives to keep his family safe.
If you do come across a coyote, FWC officials advise people to yell and wave their arms to scare them away. In addition, refrain from throwing anything at them or trying to harm the animal, as they will only get defensive and possibly attack.
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