Coyotes started expanding their presence in Florida in the early-mid 1900s’. Now they can be found in every county. In this article, we will discuss the coyotes in Florida and their habits, the dangers associated with coyotes, and how to keep your pets safe.
Enjoy!
The Coyotes in Florida
Common name: Coyote
Scientific name: Canis latrans
Family: Canidae
Length: 3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 5 in
Weight: 15-44lbs
Average lifespan: 10-14 yrs
Coyotes are a species of canines found all across North America. They are opportunist eaters: feeding on small mammals, fruits, and occasionally large game, like deer. Coyotes will also scavenge for food. They range in color from brown to reddish with a white underside.
Coyotes in South Florida
Coyotes have been found in Weston, Palm Beach, and other South Florida cities. It might be scary to come across a coyote, but you don’t need to worry unless they become a consistent problem or start acting strangely.
Report coyotes with behavioral changes to your local wildlife agency. They don’t typically bother with humans, but they are known to approach if they become used to human activity and fed, they will become used to you being a food source.
Coyotes in North Florida
Coyotes have been found all along Northern Florida, even in Tampa Bay. An uncommon Black Coyote was spotted in Westchase, Florida, leaving the residents mesmerized by its beauty. A reminder that no matter how beautiful or how docile it may seem, Coyotes are still wild animals and should be treated as such.
You can enjoy wildlife but do it from a distance and stay safe.
Coyotes in Central Florida
Coyote populations have been growing in Central Florida for years. There have been more than 5,000 coyote sightings reported in the past few years. Indialantic Florida being one hot spot.
Coyotes are good at keeping themselves hidden. You may not even be aware of them till you hear of pets going missing. It is crucial to know that whether or not you see coyote activity, Coyotes have spread all through Florida state. While the risk to humans remains low, they are a danger to pets. Precautions need to be taken to ensure the safety of pets.
Coyotes and Safety
Coyotes are a natural part of the Florida wildlife now. They believe trying to eradicate this species would be ineffective.
It would only lead to coyotes producing litters at a younger age and having larger litters than average.
There is a method and tips to keep coyotes away from your home and out of your neighborhoods. Hazing, It’s a series of methods that will deter coyotes away.
- Waving your arms and yelling will usually work. Once the coyote starts moving away, don’t stop till it has left the area altogether.
- Loud noises are very efficient in scaring a coyote off. Homemade noise makers, pots and pans, air horns are all effective ways to deter a coyote.
- If a coyote is approaching a child, yell and step towards the coyote, grabbing the child and slowly backing away. Never run from a coyote.
- Teach your children the dangers of coyotes and how to react when they see one.
- Keep pets on leashes and supervised at all times.
- Use a series of Hazing techniques to keep coyotes from becoming used to any one method.
- Motion sprinklers and lights/strobes are also effective ways to deter coyotes.
Coyote Facts and FAQ
Are Florida Coyotes dangerous?
Coyotes in Florida like, any wild animal, can be dangerous. They typically leave humans alone, and attacks are rare.
Is it legal to shoot a coyote in your backyard in Florida?
It is legal to hunt and trap coyotes all year long in Florida.
What to do if you see a coyote in Florida?
Seeing a coyote in Florida is not a concern, they are the natural part of the habitat. You should only call your local wildlife department if you notice a coyote acting strangely or approaching humans.
Are coyotes invasive to Florida?
Coyotes are not an invasive species. It is believed that they help keep the natural balance of wildlife, unlike invasive species such as the Burmese python.
How did Coyotes get to Florida?
Coyotes started entering Florida during the early 1900s but started expanding from western areas in the 1970s. Now they are found everywhere in Florida and the Eastern United States.
