Coyotes ‘getting more brazen’ as Villagers reporting more sightings

Sightings of coyotes appear to be on the rise here in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

One Villager who recently came across a coyote was Jim Lavelle, of the Village of Woodbury.

“I walk my dog, a Black Labrador Retriever, early mornings and late nights.  I’ve seen coyotes frequently this past month. They are getting more brazen.  Today, I saw one just off of Belle Meade across from the Preserve,” Lavelle said.

Ironically, the increased presence of coyotes can be traced to the elimination, by humans some 50 years ago, of gray and red wolves which were predators of coyotes. The unintended result was a gradual expansion of the coyote habitat. The Villages has not been an exception to this migration throughout the eastern United States. Now coyotes have successfully adapted to a variety of human-occupied areas, and are common in every county in Florida. 

One area of The Villages particularly impacted by the presence of coyotes and other wild animals has been the Village of Bridgeport at Lake Miona.

“There’s been a definite increase in the number of coyote sightings during the 12 years we have been living here,” said resident Ken Dieffenbach.  “Last week, my wife Leigh and I watched a mother and her three cubs, about 75 yards away, follow the ‘line of easement’ that separates our properties’ lawns and the area surrounding the Lake that has become a wilderness zone.”

The neighborhood also is routinely “visited” by wild pigs, raccoons and armadillos. 
Of course, with the lake nearby, we accept that there always will be alligators. They are often seen on lawns and even inside garages in our community.

“Unfortunately, killing coyotes won’t solve the problem,” Dieffenbach continued.  Each pack is very territorial.  Their howling at night serves to mark their territory and keep other packs away. Eliminate one pack would only prompt others to claim the area.”

Coyotes weigh from 15 to 45 pounds – the size of many dogs.  They primarily eat small animals such as rabbits, rodents, lizards, snakes and birds. 

They have a natural fear of humans and usually flee at first sight.  However, that doesn’t preclude a coyote from venturing too close.

“There was a report of a wildcat and her two ‘kids’ drinking from a water fountain on a backyard patio,” he added.

Sometimes, they will prey on small pets. Last July, Villages-News.com reported on the killing of two dogs.

“Recently, a coyote attacked a pair of dogs, which were walking with their owner, and absconded with one of the pets,” said Dieffenbach.

The best precautions, therefore, are to avoid coyotes and other predatory animals:

• If walking a dog late at night, do so in well-lit areas away from thick vegetation, and use a ‘short-leash’
• Keep cats indoors
• Do not leave pet-food outdoors

If you do have a close encounter of the wild animal kind, Greg Workman, public information coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Northeast Region, has several suggestions.  They include:

• Wave your arms and yell. These animals usually retreat.  However, if they don’t, you should move towards the animal while increasing your arm movement and shouting
• Use any type of noisemaker
• Throw small stones or sticks towards – but not at – the animal.
• Spray water from a hose

The Commission website warns “do not attempt to hurt (wild animal) because injured animals are more likely to defend themselves… Remember they will attempt to protect themselves or their young if threatened – keep your distance.”