South Florida residents say dangerous coyote encounters are rising

WILTON MANORS - Residents across South Florida said that coyote encounters are becoming more frequent, causing concern for pet owners and families with small children.

James Thomas, who lives in Broward County, recounted how a coyote roaming his backyard recently took his beloved Chihuahua dog, "Big Boy." Early morning on July 23, Thomas let Big Boy out to go to the bathroom, when something horrific happened.

"I heard him bark once and I heard him 'err!' And I ran out here, from the porch to here, and I noticed a coyote had him. The coyote had him in his mouth," said Thomas.

He chased after the coyote as the animal took off with his dog. His family searched frantically, but never found Big Boy.

Thomas said he and his neighbors, who live in the Melrose Park area in Fort Lauderdale, have seen coyotes more frequently over the last few months.

Residents in Wilton Manors have also reported seeing foxes, causing concern for pet owners.

"This beautiful fox, beautiful, just came by walking and just stopped and looked through the window. I was very scared because we always let our dog, Dusty, out," said Clayton Brown, a Wilton Manors resident.

Coyotes and foxes in South Florida

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials held a meeting at Wilton Manors City Hall Tuesday night to discuss coyotes and foxes and how to keep them away.

According to the FWC, there's no population estimate for coyotes in Florida, but they've been spotted in all 67 counties, even on beaches.

"Waving your arms, appearing bigger than you are, yelling at the coyote, stomping your feet, making noise with anything you have immediately available to you or accessible to you," said Jayne Johnston, senior wildlife assistance biologist with FWC.

While Thomas says he's glad Wilton Manors is addressing the issue, he says it's too late for Big Boy, and he wants officials in Fort Lauderdale to take action too.

"Something's got to be done about it, because if not, it's going to continue to go on, it's going to get worse," Thomas said.

How to avoid coyote encounters in South Florida

To discourage coyotes from your home, the FWC shared their recommendations:

• Secure your trash
• Feed pets inside
• Clean grills
• Pick up fruit on the ground

For more information on coyotes and living with them, go to myFWC.com/coyote .