ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Recent coyote sightings in the Tampa Bay area have some locals concerned.
While the wild canines are an important part of Florida's landscape, it can be a little unnerving to see them wandering through city streets and populated neighborhoods.
The good news is there are easy ways to safely co-exist with them — as long as we learn how.
Florida wildlife experts share how to “haze” or deter coyotes without harming them.
What to do if you see a coyote
While it may be your first reaction, wildlife officials say you shouldn't run away from a coyote. Instead, they say you should stand your ground and haze them. You can do this by:
- Waving your arms, yelling and acting aggressively
- Throwing small stones or sticks toward the coyotes, but not directly at them
- Shaking a noisemaker (i.e. a container full of beads or pebbles)
- Spraying them with a hose
- Waving an object like a golf club above your head
- Opening and closing an umbrella in the direction of the coyote
If you have a small pet with you, you should pick it up before hazing the coyote.
Wildlife officials say you shouldn't haze a coyote if:
- It appears injured or sick
- It has small pups with it
- It is backed into a corner with nowhere to run
"Injured animals can be more dangerous and may attempt to protect themselves or their young if threatened," the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a video.
Other tips include securing trash cans, cleaning up pet food and fallen fruit, closing off crawl spaces and walking dogs on a short leash.
Unusual coyote behavior is when the animal loses its fear of humans, chases joggers or bikers, or attacks pets on a leash. If you see this, you're urged to call the FWC at (863) 648-3200.
