Coyotes in Florida: How to Protect Your Pets and Family

Coyotes are elusive, opportunistic, and highly adaptable animals. Over the years, they have gradually lost some of their fear of humans, and that puts our beloved pets at greater risk.

Coyotes have steadily expanded their presence in Florida since the early to mid-1900s and have now been documented in all 67 Florida counties. Because encounters between people, pets, and coyotes are becoming more common, Floridians should understand the precautions necessary to keep both their families and animals safe.

Found throughout North America, coyotes are opportunistic eaters. They feed on small animals and, on occasion, larger game. And no matter how beautiful, calm, or harmless a coyote may appear from a distance, they are still wild animals and should always be treated with caution and respect.

What to Do During a Coyote Encounter

If you encounter a coyote, experts recommend a process called hazing.

Hazing is the act of disturbing a wild animal’s sense of security so it leaves the area and becomes more cautious around humans. The goal is to make the coyote feel uncomfortable enough to avoid people and neighborhoods in the future.

Effective Hazing Techniques for Coyotes

If you see a coyote while walking your dog or spending time outdoors, the following techniques may help scare it away:

• Make loud noises and shout as loudly as possible
• Use an air horn if available
• Raise your arms above your head to appear larger
• Carry a walking stick, golf club, or pepper spray for protection
• Stand your ground and remain assertive

Do not run from a coyote. Coyotes can run up to 40 miles per hour and are much faster than humans.

How to Protect Pets From Coyotes in Florida

One of the most important ways to protect pets is to avoid allowing them to roam freely.

Safety Tips for Dog Owners

• Keep dogs on a short leash during walks
• Avoid retractable leashes that make it harder to react quickly
• Walk dogs during daylight hours whenever possible
• Stay alert in wooded areas, preserves, canals, and golf course communities

Keeping your dog close gives you the ability to quickly pull them to safety if a coyote approaches.

Keep Cats Indoors

Cats are especially vulnerable to coyote attacks and can easily become prey for hungry coyotes, particularly at night.

Keeping cats indoors is one of the safest ways to protect them from:

• Coyotes
• Traffic
• Snakes
• Other wildlife dangers common in Florida

What to Do After a Coyote Attack

If your pet is attacked by a coyote, seek veterinary care immediately.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

• Antibiotics
• Wound treatment
• A rabies vaccine booster
• Additional monitoring for infection or injury

Even small wounds can become serious quickly if left untreated.

Protecting Livestock From Coyotes

People with goats, sheep, calves, pigs, chickens, or other small livestock should take precautions as well.

Small livestock are safest when kept:

• Inside secure fenced enclosures
• In covered areas at night
• Behind reinforced fencing
• Protected with electric fencing when appropriate

Electric fencing can be an effective deterrent against coyotes and other predators.

What to Do if a Coyote Approaches Your Child

If a coyote approaches your child:

• Yell loudly
• Move toward the coyote assertively
• Pick up your child as quickly as possible
• Slowly back away while maintaining awareness of the animal

Coyotes should never be approached, cornered, or fed.

Remove Food Sources That Attract Coyotes

One of the most effective ways to reduce coyote problems is to eliminate food and other attractants around your home.

Common attractants include:

• Pet food left outdoors
• Garbage
• Bird seed
• Fallen fruit
• Outdoor feeding stations
• Small unsecured pets

It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed coyotes in a manner that creates a public nuisance or threatens public safety.

Why Coyotes Are Becoming More Common in South Florida

As South Florida continues to develop, coyotes have adapted surprisingly well to suburban and urban environments. Golf courses, canals, parks, wooded preserves, and residential communities all provide shelter and food opportunities.

Because coyotes are intelligent and adaptable, learning how to coexist safely while protecting pets is becoming increasingly important for Florida residents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coyotes in Florida

For more information on coyotes, contact your regional office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling (888) 404-3922, or going to www.MyFWC.com.

Coyotes aren’t the only danger to South Florida dogs and cats, click to go read this article about the threat big dogs pose to little dogs.

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Article Written By: Marc Soloman, Boynton Beach, Florida resident who has seen a rise in coyote sightings in his urban neighborhood.