Page 6 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - September '24

Page 6, Jupiter Ocean Mile
Northern Notes

By Katie Roundtree, Co-Existing With Coyotes
Director of Finance and Coyotes can be curious
Administration, Northern but are also timid and
Palm Beach County run away if challenged.
Improvement District Just remember that any
The follow ing wild animal will protect
information is from itself or its young. Never
a publication by the initiate a close encounter
Florida Fish and Wildlife with a coyote.
Conservation Commission Whe re c oyot e
(FWC) and the University encounters occur
of Florida/Institute of Food regularly, walk pets at other times besides nighttime
and Agricultural Sciences. It provides information on hours, dusk, and dawn. Carry something that will make
coyotes and their interaction with people. noise or scare the animal, such as a solid walking stick
Living With Coyotes or golf club. These things may deter the coyote at close
Coyotes are found throughout Florida. This adaptable range. Make a “coyote shaker” by putting a few washers, coyotes with a “free lunch” eliminates their natural fear
animal belongs to the dog family and resembles a small pebbles, or pennies into an empty soft drink can. Wrap of humans and increases their population. Remember …
German shepherd. In Florida, coyotes typically weigh the can in foil and tape it closed. a fed coyote causes problems.
between 15 and 30 pounds. They have pointed ears, a Myths About Coyotes Coyotes can be eliminated: FALSE!
narrow muzzle, and a bushy tail. Males tend to be larger Coyotes are extremely dangerous: FALSE! Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective
than females. Coyote fur is usually grayish-brown but There have been very few reported cases of Eastern method of controlling populations. Coyotes compensate
occasionally black. When running, the coyote usually coyotes biting people. The coyote’s innate fear of humans by increasing litter size, and new coyotes move into areas
holds its tail at “half-mast” or straight out behind it, unlike tends to keep them from getting too close, so there’s no where others have been removed. Populations can quickly
most domestic dogs. need to fear them excessively. return to their original size.
Coyotes are a new problem: FALSE! NPDES tip: Please pick up after your pet. When pet
Coyotes have been in Florida for many years and will waste is washed into lakes or canals the waste decays,
continue to make their homes around the state. Coyotes using up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia.
should be considered native or naturalized species, not Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with warm
exotics. Fossil fragments recovered from Florida indicate temperatures can kill fish. Pet waste also contains
coyotes occurred in the state as early as the late Pliocene nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth. Overly
(2 million years before the present). Coyotes are found fertile water becomes cloudy and green – unattractive for
across the state and have been documented in all 67 boating and fishing. Perhaps most importantly, pet waste
counties. This medium-sized predator is exceptionally carries diseases which make water unsafe.
adaptable and thrives in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Coyotes need our help to survive: FALSE!
People like to feed animals. However, providing

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.
The scientific name of the coyote, Canis latrans, $ $ 100 OFF $ 250
literally means “barking 39Usually 95
$
dog.” Coyotes use a variety SERVICE CALL WITH ANY NEW UV LIGHT WITH ANY
of vocalizations, such as ANY A/C REPAIR WATER HEATER NEW INSTALLATION
( 750 Value)
$
barking like dogs, but CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE
they are most often heard 561-741-2825 561-741-2825 561-741-2825
making shrill yips and Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts,
howls. Howling is often offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount
a group effort, a form of per transaction. Expires 10/07/24. per transaction. Expires: 10/07/24. per transaction. Expires: 10/07/24.
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.
Keep Your Pets Safe
Coyotes can prey on domestic cats and small dogs.
To protect your pets, don’t allow them to roam freely.
Most coyote attacks on pets occur at night, dusk, or
dawn. During these times especially, be careful if you’re
walking your pet in wooded or heavily foliaged areas
where coyotes could hide. Keep your dog close on a
short leash. Keep cats indoors. When cats wander freely,
they are more likely to be attacked by coyotes. Coyotes
are also attracted by garbage, as it provides an easy and Life moves fast—
reliable food source. Residents can significantly reduce

problems by moving attractants and securing trash. prepare for the unexpected
Preventing Problems
NEVER feed coyotes! Don’t place food outdoors that with Accident Insurance.
will attract wild animals. Clean up pet food, fallen fruit,
and seeds around bird feeders. Secure garbage cans and
compost in animal-proof containers. Don’t try to pet a
coyote; teach children not to approach any unfamiliar
animal. Don’t let coyotes intimidate you. Frighten coyotes
away by making loud noises and acting aggressively, such We’re here to help.
as waving your arms or spraying them with a hose. Please
don’t attempt to hurt it because injured animals are more
likely to attack. Accident insurance complements your Florida Blue Health Plan. Call to learn more
Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds. about insurance plans from USAble Life.
Coyotes and other animals use such areas to rear and raise
young. M&A Insurance and Financial Services Inc.
Teach children to recognize and not run from coyotes.
If they are approached, have them move slowly into a 561-440-9940
house or climb up on a swing, tree, or deck and yell.
Educate your neighbors. By sharing this knowledge, M&A Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is an Independent Broker of Florida Blue.
Florida Blue is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Supplemental, Life, and Disability products are offered by USAble Life. USAble Life is an independent company
you can empower them to take the necessary precautions and operates separately from Florida Blue.
and prevent conflicts with coyotes. Ask them to follow 22L-USAL-0872 112941 1222
these same steps.