Page 6 - Talk of Tequesta - September '24

Page 6, The Talk Of Tequesta

NorTherN NoTes

Living With Coyotes!

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

The following Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds.
information is from Coyotes and other animals use such areas to rear and
a publication by the raise young.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Teach children to recognize and not run from coyotes.
Conservation Commission If they are approached, have them move slowly into a
(FWC) and the University house or climb up on a swing, tree, or deck and yell.
of Florida/Institute of Food Educate your neighbors. By sharing this knowledge,
and Agricultural Sciences. you can empower them to take the necessary precautions
It provides information and prevent conflicts with coyotes. Ask them to follow
on coyotes and their these same steps.
interaction with people. Co-Existing With Coyotes
Living With Coyotes Coyotes can be curious but are also timid and run
Coyotes are found throughout Florida. This adaptable away if challenged. Just remember that any wild animal
animal belongs to the dog family and resembles a small will protect itself or its
German shepherd. In Florida, coyotes typically weigh young. Never initiate a
between 15 and 30 pounds. They have pointed ears, a close encounter with a coyotes occurred in the state as early as the late Pliocene
narrow muzzle, and a bushy tail. Males tend to be larger coyote. (2 million years before the present). Coyotes are found
than females. Coyote fur is usually grayish-brown but Where coyote across the state and have been documented in all 67
occasionally black. When running, the coyote usually encounters occur counties. This medium-sized predator is exceptionally
holds its tail at “half-mast” or straight out behind it, unlike regularly, walk pets adaptable and thrives in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
most domestic dogs. at other times besides Coyotes need our help to survive: FALSE!
nighttime hours, dusk, People like to feed animals. However, providing
and dawn. Carry coyotes with a “free lunch” eliminates their natural fear
something that will of humans and increases their population. Remember …
make noise or scare the animal, such as a solid walking a fed coyote causes problems.
stick or golf club. These things may deter the coyote at Coyotes can be eliminated: FALSE!
close range. Make a “coyote shaker” by putting a few Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective
washers, pebbles, or pennies into an empty soft drink method of controlling populations. Coyotes compensate
can. Wrap the can in foil and tape it closed. by increasing litter size, and new coyotes move into areas
Myths About Coyotes where others have been removed. Populations can quickly
Coyotes are extremely dangerous: FALSE! return to their original size.
There have been very few reported cases of Eastern NPDES tip: Please pick up after your pet. When pet
coyotes biting people. The coyote’s innate fear of humans waste is washed into lakes or canals the waste decays,
tends to keep them from getting too close, so there’s no using up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia.
Coyote male (left) female (right). need to fear them excessively. Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with warm
Coyotes are a new problem: FALSE! temperatures can kill fish. Pet waste also contains
Coyotes, typically shy and elusive, play an essential Coyotes have been in Florida for many years and will nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth. Overly
role in the ecosystem by helping control rodent continue to make their homes around the state. Coyotes fertile water becomes cloudy and green – unattractive for
populations. Their presence is a testament to the balance should be considered native or naturalized species, not boating and fishing. Perhaps most importantly, pet waste
of nature, and we should appreciate their contribution. exotics. Fossil fragments recovered from Florida indicate carries diseases which make water unsafe.
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, a
form of communication $ $ 100 OFF $ 250
that helps them establish 39Usually 95
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begins as a simple howl CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE
but quickly increases into a series of group howls and 561-741-2825 561-741-2825 561-741-2825
high-pitched barks. Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts,
Keep Your Pets Safe offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount
Coyotes can prey on domestic cats and small dogs. per transaction. Expires 10/07/24. per transaction. Expires: 10/07/24. per transaction. Expires: 10/07/24.
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 “Service is our number one priority”
where coyotes could hide. Keep your dog close on a
short leash. Keep cats indoors. When cats wander freely, 561-743-0070
they are more likely to be attacked by coyotes. Coyotes
are also attracted by garbage, as it provides an easy and www.palmspoolservices.com
reliable food source. Residents can significantly reduce
problems by moving attractants and securing trash.
Preventing Problems
NEVER feed coyotes! Don’t place food outdoors that
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
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.

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