Rising Coyote Attacks on Pets in South Florida: A Consequence of Continuing Urban Development
Fort Lauderdale, FL. - South Florida, known for its vast wildlife, lush landscapes, and Everglades, is witnessing an alarming increase in coyote attacks on family pets. This surge, particularly noticeable in Broward County, is believed to be a consequence of the rapid urban development that is encroaching on the area's last natural habitats and wildlands.
According to data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), coyote sightings and encounters have steadily increased over the past decade, with a significant spike in reported incidents in recent years. In 2022, the FWC received over 1,500 reports of coyote sightings and encounters statewide, with nearly 30% of those incidents occurring in Broward County alone.
Statistics:
1,543 reported coyote sightings and encounters in Florida in 2022 (FWC)
29.5% of reported coyote incidents in 2022 occurred in Broward County (FWC)
75% of coyote attacks on pets occur between dusk and dawn (FWC)
The Unseen Victims Recent incidents have brought the issue to the forefront. In Fort Lauderdale, a man's pet chihuahua fell victim to a coyote attack, raising concerns about wildlife in residential areas. Another family in the same city was left devastated when their pet chihuahua was snatched by a coyote right outside their home. These incidents are not isolated. There has been a noticeable rise in neighborhood sightings across South Florida, including in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. These attacks are increasing so much so that the county is giving awareness seminars.
The Urban Encroachment The wildland-urban interface, an area of changing land uses often characterized by an increasing amount of development leading to increasingly fragmented natural areas, is expanding. Accommodating the increased population requires millions of new homes, miles of roads, and additional stores and businesses. This development, often without consideration for infrastructure, commercial needs, efficient transportation options, or quality of life, can degrade rather than enhance the nearby community.
Most of South Florida's native ecosystems have been entirely transformed by drainage for agriculture and commercial, industrial, and residential development. This has reduced wildlife habitat and populations to a fraction of their former size.
The Coyote Conundrum Coyotes are adaptable creatures. They can adjust well to living in different habitats and prefer to feed in open spaces. The conversion of forests to agricultural lands has provided coyotes with ample habitats in which to find food and connect habitats throughout the state. However, as their natural habitats shrink due to urban development, these creatures are forced to venture into residential areas in search of food and shelter.
If you encounter a coyote, here are some steps you can take:
Appreciate Coyotes From A Distance: Stay at least 150 feet (45 meters) or more from the animal.
Make Yourself Big and Loud: Wave your arms in the air, wave a stick, stomp your feet, and yell, "Go away!". You can also throw small objects, like a tree branch or rock, in the coyote’s direction.
Maintain Eye Contact: Do not run away, as it could trigger the coyote’s instinct to chase. Instead, make yourself look bigger and slowly move away while maintaining eye contact.
Supervise Pets: Walk dogs on a leash and keep cats inside for safety, but do not let them chase coyotes and other wildlife.
Do Not Feed Coyotes: Ensure you don’t leave food out that will attract coyotes to your neighborhood.
Report To Authorities: Call your local non-emergency law enformcent number and let them know the area the coyote was last seen.
Going Forward While the situation is concerning, measures can be taken to mitigate the danger. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) suggests that people can help prevent interactions between coyotes and pets by keeping cats inside and walking dogs on short leashes. Fences should be high enough, about 6 feet, to deter coyotes and other wildlife from jumping over.
Moreover, residents are urged to secure trash, feed pets inside, clean grills, and pick up fallen fruit or bird seed from the yard to keep coyotes away. These steps can help reduce the likelihood of coyotes associating places where people live as easy places to find food, thereby reducing their presence in residential areas.
The rising coyote attacks on pets in South Florida is a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and wildlife conservation. As Florida continues to expand its cities and towns, it is critical that Floridians do so in a manner that respects and preserves the natural habitats on which our wildlife depends.
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