Page 28 - Abacoa Community News - September '24

Page 28, Abacoa
Northern Notes

Living With Coyotes Keep Your Pets Safe animal. Don’t let coyotes intimidate you. Frighten coyotes
Coyotes can prey on domestic cats and small dogs. away by making loud noises and acting aggressively, such
By Katie Roundtree, To protect your pets, don’t allow them to roam freely. as waving your arms or spraying them with a hose. Please
Director of Finance and Most coyote attacks on pets occur at night, dusk, or don’t attempt to hurt it because injured animals are more
Administration, Northern dawn. During these times especially, be careful if you’re likely to attack.
Palm Beach County walking your pet in wooded or heavily foliaged areas Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds.
Improvement District where coyotes could hide. Keep your dog close on a Coyotes and other animals use such areas to rear and raise
T he fol l owi ng short leash. Keep cats indoors. When cats wander freely, young.
information is from they are more likely to be attacked by coyotes. Coyotes Teach children to recognize and not run from coyotes.
a publication by the are also attracted by garbage, as it provides an easy and If they are approached, have them move slowly into a
Florida Fish and Wildlife reliable food source. Residents can significantly reduce house or climb up on a swing, tree, or deck and yell.
Conservation Commission problems by moving attractants and securing trash. Educate your neighbors. By sharing this knowledge,
(FWC) and the University Preventing Problems you can empower them to take the necessary precautions
of Florida/Institute of Food NEVER feed coyotes! Don’t place food outdoors that and prevent conflicts with coyotes. Ask them to follow
and Agricultural Sciences. It provides information on will attract wild animals. Clean up pet food, fallen fruit, these same steps.
coyotes and their interaction with people. and seeds around bird feeders. Secure garbage cans and
Living With Coyotes compost in animal-proof containers. Don’t try to pet a Northern Notes on page 30
Coyotes are found throughout Florida. This adaptable coyote; teach children not to approach any unfamiliar
animal belongs to the dog family and resembles a small
German shepherd. In Florida, coyotes typically weigh
between 15 and 30 pounds. They have pointed ears, a
narrow muzzle, and a bushy tail. Males tend to be larger
than females. Coyote fur is usually grayish-brown but
occasionally black. When running, the coyote usually
holds its tail at “half-mast” or straight out behind it, unlike
most domestic dogs.

Coyote male (left) female (right).

Coyotes, typically shy and elusive, play an essential role
in the ecosystem by helping control rodent populations.
Their presence is a testament to the balance of nature, and
we should appreciate
their contribution. A College Preparatory Catholic High School
The scientific
name of the coyote, Our Vision is to build life’s champions
Canis latrans, literally through FAITH, ACADEMICS, SCAN TO LEARN MORE
means “barking dog.” SERVANT LEADERSHIP and a
Coyotes use a variety STRONG FAMILY ATMOSPHERE.
of vocalizations, such
as barking like dogs, cardinalnewman.com
but they are most often West Palm Beach, FL
heard making shrill yips (561) 683-6266
and howls. Howling is often a group effort, a form of
communication that helps them establish territory and
coordinate group activities. It begins as a simple howl
but quickly increases into a series of group howls and
high-pitched barks. Susan Has Moved To A

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