Page 12 - Southern Exposure - September '24

Page 12, Southern Exposure 2 SPACES

northern notes

Living With Coyotes!

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

The following information because injured animals Coyotes are a new
is from a publication by the are more likely to attack. problem: FALSE!
Florida Fish and Wildlife Close off crawl spaces Coyotes have been in
Conservation Commission under porches and sheds. Florida for many years
(FWC) and the University Coyotes and other animals and will continue to make
of Florida/Institute of Food use such areas to rear and their homes around the
and Agricultural Sciences. raise young. state. Coyotes should
It provides information on Teach children to be considered native or
coyotes and their interaction recognize and not run naturalized species, not
with people. from coyotes. If they are exotics. Fossil fragments
Living With Coyotes approached, have them move slowly into a house or climb up recovered from Florida indicate coyotes occurred in the state
Coyotes are found on a swing, tree, or deck and yell. as early as the late Pliocene (2 million years before the present).
throughout Florida. This adaptable animal belongs to the Educate your neighbors. By sharing this knowledge, you Coyotes are found across the state and have been documented
dog family and resembles a small German shepherd. In can empower them to take the necessary precautions and in all 67 counties. This medium-sized predator is exceptionally
Florida, coyotes typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds. prevent conflicts with coyotes. Ask them to follow these adaptable and thrives in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
They have pointed ears, a narrow muzzle, and a bushy tail. same steps. Coyotes need our help to survive: FALSE!
Males tend to be larger than females. Coyote fur is usually Coexisting With Coyotes People like to feed animals. However, providing coyotes
grayish-brown but occasionally black. When running, the Coyotes can be curious but are also timid and run away if with a “free lunch” eliminates their natural fear of humans
coyote usually holds its tail at “half-mast” or straight out challenged. Just remember that any wild animal will protect itself and increases their population. Remember … a fed coyote
behind it, unlike most domestic dogs. or its young. Never initiate a close encounter with a coyote. causes problems.
Where coyote encounters occur regularly, walk pets at Coyotes can be eliminated: FALSE!
other times besides nighttime hours, dusk, and dawn. Carry Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective method of
something that will make noise or scare the animal, such as controlling populations. Coyotes compensate by increasing litter
a solid walking stick or golf club. These things may deter size, and new coyotes move into areas where others have been
the coyote at close range. Make a “coyote shaker” by putting removed. Populations can quickly return to their original size.
a few washers, pebbles, or pennies into an empty soft drink NPDES tip: Please pick up after your pet. When pet waste is
can. Wrap the can in foil and tape it closed. washed into lakes or canals the waste decays, using up oxygen
Myths About Coyotes and sometimes releasing ammonia. Low oxygen levels and
Coyotes are extremely dangerous: FALSE! ammonia combined with warm temperatures can kill fish. Pet
There have been very few reported cases of Eastern waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae
coyotes biting people. The coyote’s innate fear of humans growth. Overly fertile water becomes cloudy and green –
tends to keep them from getting too close, so there’s no need unattractive for boating and fishing. Perhaps most importantly,
to fear them excessively. pet waste carries diseases which make water unsafe.
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 Experience Dentistry
appreciate their contribution.
The scientific name of the coyote, Canis latrans, literally
means “barking dog.” Coyotes use a variety of vocalizations,
such as barking like dogs, but they are most often heard
making shrill yips and howls. Howling is often a group effort, with a
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.
Keep Your Pets Safe
Coyotes can prey on domestic cats and small dogs. To Woman’s Touch
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 Cosmetic & Comprehensive Restorative Dentistry
cats wander freely, they are more likely to be attacked by
coyotes. Coyotes are also attracted by garbage, as it provides
an easy and reliable food source. Residents can significantly State of the Art & Same Day Restorations
reduce problems by moving attractants and securing trash.
Preventing Problems
NEVER feed coyotes! Don’t place food outdoors that Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation Available
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 Joanne Green, D.D.S.
coyotes intimidate you. Frighten coyotes away by making
loud noises and acting aggressively, such as waving your arms
or spraying them with a hose. Please don’t attempt to hurt it
10887 N. Military Trail, Suite 6
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

(561) 622-2815

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Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry - Cum Laude
Hospital of the University of Penn - General Practice Residency Training
Harvard Dental School - Former Instructor
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