Coyote encounter this morning

[Callaway Guy]

At about 6am this morning on my daily walk on St. Charles, I encountered a coyote at the entrance to the Amberjack Villas. It came from the opposite side of the street from the golf course and stopped about 15' in front of me on the sidewalk, facing me. It bared it's teeth a couple of times and had this funny growl. After a staredown that felt like it lasted an hour (only about 20 seconds), it took off back across the street on the golf course. This encounter really got the heart pumping for the rest of the walk. If any of you walk early or late, keep an eye out for them.

[Taltarzac725]

At about 6am this morning on my daily walk on St. Charles, I encountered a coyote at the entrance to the Amberjack Villas. It came from the opposite side of the street from the golf course and stopped about 15' in front of me on the sidewalk, facing me. It bared it's teeth a couple of times and had this funny growl. After a staredown that felt like it lasted an hour (only about 20 seconds), it took off back across the street on the golf course. This encounter really got the heart pumping for the rest of the walk. If any of you walk early or late, keep an eye out for them.

Thanks for the information. I tried my Keep Doggie Safe | Doggone Best Site For Dog Safety | (http://KeepDoggieSafe.com) whistle out on a digging Golden Retriever named Nick at Doggie Doo Run Run this morning. It is supposed to scare off coyotes. Nick popped his head out of the hole only at full blast of maybe 5 seconds on the whistle and seemed to do a good Lana Turner imitation. "You know how to whistle...." Or maybe, it was De Niro "You talkin' to me!' https://youtu.be/i9Ay727EYzw After the quick look at me, Nick just kept on digging.

The dog park employee Joe I talked to recommended wasp spray after I told him about why I had a dog whistle and was trying it out on Nick who was probably hunting for a mole/vole/gopher.

[Wiserbud47]

I was up walking even earlier than you this morning around 5:30 and saw what I thought was a dog run from Morse Blvd., between houses into the village of Largo. It keep running south and I never got a good look at the animal. I am not sure I would recognize a coyote if I saw one but this time I just assumed it was a dog. Now that you say you spotted a coyote southwest of where I was, it is possible it was the same animal.

[Taltarzac725]

I was up walking even earlier than you this morning around 5:30 and saw what I thought was a dog run from Morse Blvd., between houses into the village of Largo. It keep running south and I never got a good look at the animal. I am not sure I would recognize a coyote if I saw one but this time I just assumed it was a dog. Now that you say you spotted a coyote southwest of where I was, it is possible it was the same animal.

FWC - Land Mammals - Coyote (http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/coyote/)

The coyotes I have seen in this area look like malnourished German shepherds.

[tomwed]

I think putting out the garbage the night before makes it too easy.

I have a tuesday morning pick-up that is very early and a friday pick-up much later. If I miss tuesday it's no big deal. Is that the pattern for garbage pick-up,,one real early and another much later?

[njbchbum]

FWC - Land Mammals - Coyote (http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/coyote/)

The coyotes I have seen in this area look like malnourished German shepherds.

I have only seen one - and that was more than a year ago on a golf course out Miona rec ctr way - it def looked like a malnourished german shepard and it was quite shaggy, too.

[Callaway Guy]

This one didn't appear to be too malnourished. The animal rights groups won't like this and I know that their territory has been encroached upon by the development of The Villages, but this our territory now, where humans live, and we should not have to worry about our pets getting taken or residents having the s**t scared out of us by coyotes.

[xcaligirl]

I agree with you. I know there were here first BUT...

[nana13]

Fill a container with change (I had an old Pringals can) If you encounter one just shake the can and the critter, will take off for the hills. they do not like loud noises, Lived on a farm in Va. for 23 years and saw many a coyote, especially during calving season. This was a great deterrent without having to carry a gun, Va. has very strict laws about shooting wild animals without a permit. Unfortunately, coyotes have there own agenda, they are very smart animals, but will scatter with a loud noise (NOT A GOOD IDEA TO CARRY A SHOTGUN WITH YOU WHEN YOU ARE WALKING). try the can.

[Taltarzac725]

Fill a container with change (I had an old Pringals can) If you encounter one just shake the can and the critter, will take off for the hills. they do not like loud noises, Lived on a farm in Va. for 23 years and saw many a coyote, especially during calving season. This was a great deterrent without having to carry a gun, Va. has very strict laws about shooting wild animals without a permit. Unfortunately, coyotes have there own agenda, they are very smart animals, but will scatter with a loud noise (NOT A GOOD IDEA TO CARRY A SHOTGUN WITH YOU WHEN YOU ARE WALKING). try the can.

I have a few of these made up. They are called coyote shakers.

[Xcuse]

Thanks for the information. I tried my Keep Doggie Safe | Doggone Best Site For Dog Safety | (http://KeepDoggieSafe.com) whistle out on a digging Golden Retriever named Nick at Doggie Doo Run Run this morning. It is supposed to scare off coyotes. Nick popped his head out of the hole only at full blast of maybe 5 seconds on the whistle and seemed to do a good Lana Turner imitation. "You know how to whistle...." Or maybe, it was De Niro "You talkin' to me!' https://youtu.be/i9Ay727EYzw After the quick look at me, Nick just kept on digging.

The dog park employee Joe I talked to recommended wasp spray after I told him about why I had a dog whistle and was trying it out on Nick who was probably hunting for a mole/vole/gopher.

"You know how to whistle...." I thought it was Lauren Bacall....

[Taltarzac725]

"You know how to whistle...." I thought it was Lauren Bacall....

You are right. Lauren Bacall. https://youtu.be/MheNUWyROv8

[ScorpioSquared]

Fill a container with change (I had an old Pringals can) If you encounter one just shake the can and the critter, will take off for the hills. they do not like loud noises, Lived on a farm in Va. for 23 years and saw many a coyote, especially during calving season. This was a great deterrent without having to carry a gun, Va. has very strict laws about shooting wild animals without a permit. Unfortunately, coyotes have there own agenda, they are very smart animals, but will scatter with a loud noise (NOT A GOOD IDEA TO CARRY A SHOTGUN WITH YOU WHEN YOU ARE WALKING). try the can.

Thanks for the smart tip! Will definitely have one in hand at TV and in MI too!

[kittygilchrist]

This one didn't appear to be too malnourished. The animal rights groups won't like this and I know that their territory has been encroached upon by the development of The Villages, but this our territory now, where humans live, and we should not have to worry about our pets getting taken or residents having the s**t scared out of us by coyotes.

Vcdd has hired trappers for the coyotes.
Should you wish to report the sighting, the person to contact is
Dave.burgess@districtgov.org

Update 9/4 see new post on coyotes...

[chuckinca]

Last week I was golfing with a friend near the Oakland Airport (in CA). There are about 4 or 5 golf courses on the fringes of Oakland Airport and near San Francisco Bay.

All around the bay is marshy open space. Coming up to the 4th green a beautiful red fox crossed between us and the green. When we finished putting and started back to the carts we noticed the fox was in a cart, probably looking for food. The rest of the morning we spotted red foxes about every other hole.

The cost for 18 with a cart was $34. For $35 (total) you get breakfast and lunch of your choice off the snack bar menu and two beverages of your choice but no bottled beer - cans or draft only. For the extra buck you get about $30 worth of food and beer!

.

[chuckinca]

...

[BobnBev]

I carry bear spray.

[Callaway Guy]

I carry bear spray.

I will from now on.

[tomwed]

////

[loonlovers]

I am a resident of Liberty Park in a neighborhood very close to the Eagle Preserve which houses several coyotes. We have lived peacefully with these animals for many years but we do spray our garbage with ammonia on pick up day so as not attract them. I cannot believe that such a barbaric and inhumane approach has been undertaken by the VCCD and have addressed a note to Mr. Burgess expressing the same. We all need to be cautious as well as respectful of the animals that share our space in The Villages. These animals have been here for many years before we arrived and have adjusted well to the changes made in their environment over the years. Let's stop calling for these animals to be mutilated.

[Jdmiata]

Coyotes were here lots longer than we are. They are more afraid of you than you of them. Just leave them alone.

[Barefoot]

Fill a container with change (I had an old Pringals can) If you encounter one just shake the can and the critter, will take off for the hills. they do not like loud noises,

Thanks for the great idea.
I think it will work for coyotes in The Villages, and for bears at our Canadian cabin on a lake.
The problem with bear spray is that bears have to come close before you can use it. :shocked:

I am a resident of Liberty Park in a neighborhood very close to the Eagle Preserve which houses several coyotes. We have lived peacefully with these animals for many years but we do spray our garbage with ammonia on pick up day so as not attract them. I cannot believe that such a barbaric and inhumane approach has been undertaken by the VCCD and have addressed a note to Mr. Burgess expressing the same. We all need to be cautious as well as respectful of the animals that share our space in The Villages. These animals have been here for many years before we arrived and have adjusted well to the changes made in their environment over the years. Let's stop calling for these animals to be mutilated.

:agree:

[Taltarzac725]

Vcdd has hired trappers for the coyotes.
Should you wish to report the sighting, the person to contact is
Dave.burgess@districtgov.org

Having the coyotes removed is a hard choice but we cannot assume that these are mutilating traps. They might be, they might not depending on the trapper. Coyote Trapping Tips - How to Trap a Coyote (http://www.wildlife-removal.com/coyotetrap.html)

I still feel more for the dogs and cats and their owners than for the coyotes in the Villages' area.

[Chi-Town]

Sometimes the best defense is distraction. And what better distraction for a coyote is there than a roadrunner? Bring s few into The Villages, and we can get back to worrying about alligators.

54538

[Taltarzac725]

Sometimes the best defense is distraction. And what better distraction for a coyote is there than a roadrunner? Bring s few into The Villages, and we can get back to worrying about alligators.

54538

These guys and gals are very hard to catch. I tried back in my Apache Junction, AZ days. :)

[rubicon]

Coyotes were here lots longer than we are. They are more afraid of you than you of them. Just leave them alone.

I;m only afraid of four kinds of coyotes big,little alive, dead

[joldnol]

This one didn't appear to be too malnourished. The animal rights groups won't like this and I know that their territory has been encroached upon by the development of The Villages, but this our territory now, where humans live, and we should not have to worry about our pets getting taken or residents having the s**t scared out of us by coyotes.

They are new arrivals to Florida and need to be exterminated

[joldnol]

Coyotes were here lots longer than we are. They are more afraid of you than you of them. Just leave them alone.

Not true, they are new to Florida and Need to be eliminated

[dianepenci]

The animal I have encountered in the historic area I believe is a red fox. Check the differences and their habitats, quite different.

[Sandtrap328]

Folks, it makes absolutely no difference whether or not if the traps mutilate the coyotes or not. Trapped coyotes ARE NOT going to be turned loose in an unpopulated area. They will be killed!

As I stated before, if, on my walks, I happen to see a coyote trap, I am going to destroy the trap. If I cannot destroy it, I will spring it and throw it in a dumpster.

Sure, it is sad that ONE dog got snatched by a coyote but the dog was outside off a leash! Keep your dogs on a short leash, use common sense, and you will have no problem.

The Pringles shakers are a great idea. Common sense prevails!

[Chi-Town]

Folks, it makes absolutely no difference whether or not if the traps mutilate the coyotes or not. Trapped coyotes ARE NOT going to be turned loose in an unpopulated area. They will be killed!

As I stated before, if, on my walks, I happen to see a coyote trap, I am going to destroy the trap. If I cannot destroy it, I will spring it and throw it in a dumpster.

Sure, it is sad that ONE dog got snatched by a coyote but the dog was outside off a leash! Keep your dogs on a short leash, use common sense, and you will have no problem.

The Pringles shakers are a great idea. Common sense prevails!

Good for you.

[Taltarzac725]

Folks, it makes absolutely no difference whether or not if the traps mutilate the coyotes or not. Trapped coyotes ARE NOT going to be turned loose in an unpopulated area. They will be killed!

As I stated before, if, on my walks, I happen to see a coyote trap, I am going to destroy the trap. If I cannot destroy it, I will spring it and throw it in a dumpster.

Sure, it is sad that ONE dog got snatched by a coyote but the dog was outside off a leash! Keep your dogs on a short leash, use common sense, and you will have no problem.

The Pringles shakers are a great idea. Common sense prevails!

I hope people will take pictures with cell phones if you see damage to private property like this.


Coyotes should be left alone as long as there are not cat and dog snatchings in the area. Remember that two cats were snatched from inside Villagers' lanais. This could have been a bobcat in one of the instances but I kind of doubt that. Then there was that dog which was taken from a person's front yard or the vicinity of it at 12:30 AM. Supposedly it was off leash??? I do not remember that detail in the report.

I carry noise makers and my dog is almost always on leash unless he sneaks out a door which does happen from time-to-time.

[Sandtrap328]

I hope people will take pictures with cell phones if you see damage to private property like this.


Coyotes should be left alone as long as there are not cat and dog snatchings in the area. Remember that two cats were snatched from inside Villagers' lanais. This could have been a bobcat in one of the instances but I kind of doubt that. Then there was that dog which was taken from a person's front yard or the vicinity of it at 12:30 AM. Supposedly it was off leash??? I do not remember that detail in the report.

I carry noise makers and my dog is almost always on leash unless he sneaks out a door which does happen from time-to-time.

IF a cat or two were taken off screeed-in lanais, don't you think that there would have been a lot of chat on TOTV or the on-line news about those happenings AT THE TIME of the snatchings? I am very skeptical of those stories.

I do remember the little dog was off-leash at that midnight happening. Sad, but off-leash.

Anyhow, you sound like a very responsible dog owner and you will have no problem.

[Taltarzac725]

IF a cat or two were taken off screeed-in lanais, don't you think that there would have been a lot of chat on TOTV or the on-line news about those happenings AT THE TIME of the snatchings? I am very skeptical of those stories.

I do remember the little dog was off-leash at that midnight happening. Sad, but off-leash.

Anyhow, you sound like a very responsible dog owner and you will have no problem.

Hopefully, the person on TOTV who lives where the Buttonwood snatching happened will have more details. The other lanai that was ripped into was in Lynnhaven quite close to the Lynnhaven pool. A woman who walks her dog told me about it but this information was second or third hand. I can look into it more though as she pointed out the house where it happened to me. Lynnhaven has a web-site. It might be on there.

[Taltarzac725]

I do not see anything on the Lynnhaven web-site about the cat snatching off the lanai. I am reluctant to go to the house and ask the people there about this as this seems very insensitive. That sounds like a very traumatic event for them to lose a cat like that. I will keep my ears open though for any news.

[Fraugoofy]

I do not see anything on the Lynnhaven web-site about the cat snatching off the lanai. I am reluctant to go to the house and ask the people there about this as this seems very insensitive. That sounds like a very traumatic event for them to lose a cat like that. I will keep my ears open though for any news.
Can you please tell me how to find the Lynnhaven website?

[loonlovers]

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I had sent a letter to Mr. Burgess with the VCCD. Today, he responded "the only places the District is setting out traps are in the District owned and maintained preserve areas. These traps are a cage style trap, bringing no harm to the animals."

I then followed up with Mr. Burgess asking him what then happens..are the animals relocated or destroyed? His response "By law, they are destroyed per the state certified trapper."

This may be a more humane method of trapping but the result is the same. These animals will be killed. But more distressing is the fact that the traps will be located in an area designated as a "Preserve" which means they are being hunted in an area designed to protect the animals and environment. What gives?

[Taltarzac725]

Can you please tell me how to find the Lynnhaven website?

This is it. https://home.comcast.net/~askal/

[Taltarzac725]

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I had sent a letter to Mr. Burgess with the VCCD. Today, he responded "the only places the District is setting out traps are in the District owned and maintained preserve areas. These traps are a cage style trap, bringing no harm to the animals."

I then followed up with Mr. Burgess asking him what then happens..are the animals relocated or destroyed? His response "By law, they are destroyed per the state certified trapper."

This may be a more humane method of trapping but the result is the same. These animals will be killed. But more distressing is the fact that the traps will be located in an area designated as a "Preserve" which means they are being hunted in an area designed to protect the animals and environment. What gives?

That seems kind of strange as it would seem they are going after the wrong coyotes. The one or coyotes who supposedly are taking pets are using the golf courses to travel through the Villages. Maybe it is the same group of coyotes but it would be likely that the coyotes that hunt in the preserves stay in that area. The less successful coyotes probably wander more. I am not an expert on coyote behavior though.

[Boomer]

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I had sent a letter to Mr. Burgess with the VCCD. Today, he responded "the only places the District is setting out traps are in the District owned and maintained preserve areas. These traps are a cage style trap, bringing no harm to the animals."

I then followed up with Mr. Burgess asking him what then happens..are the animals relocated or destroyed? His response "By law, they are destroyed per the state certified trapper."

This may be a more humane method of trapping but the result is the same. These animals will be killed. But more distressing is the fact that the traps will be located in an area designated as a "Preserve" which means they are being hunted in an area designed to protect the animals and environment. What gives?

This whole situation is just plain sad and ugly on so many levels.

And a "Preserve Trapper"??? :confused: Well, that's a new oxymoron.

Where oh where is Carl Hiaasen. He would never get writer's block in this place.

I had the delight of getting to meet Carl. But only for one brief and shining moment. (Sigh) But to my credit, at least I did not babble and flip my hair.

[Barefoot]

Folks, it makes absolutely no difference whether or not if the traps mutilate the coyotes or not. Trapped coyotes ARE NOT going to be turned loose in an unpopulated area. They will be killed! As I stated before, if, on my walks, I happen to see a coyote trap, I am going to destroy the trap. If I cannot destroy it, I will spring it and throw it in a dumpster. Sure, it is sad that ONE dog got snatched by a coyote but the dog was outside off a leash! Keep your dogs on a short leash, use common sense, and you will have no problem. Common sense prevails!
:thumbup: Sandtrap, well said.

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I had sent a letter to Mr. Burgess with the VCCD. Today, he responded "the only places the District is setting out traps are in the District owned and maintained preserve areas. These traps are a cage style trap, bringing no harm to the animals." I then followed up with Mr. Burgess asking him what then happens..are the animals relocated or destroyed? His response "By law, they are destroyed per the state certified trapper."
This may be a more humane method of trapping but the result is the same. These animals will be killed. But more distressing is the fact that the traps will be located in an area designated as a "Preserve" which means they are being hunted in an area designed to protect the animals and environment. What gives?

I don't understand the need to start trapping coyotes in Preserve areas.
It's sad to lose a pet, so please keep them safe AND ON A LEASH!
Loonlovers: I emailed Mr. Burgess with the same result.
I responded back to Mr. B with exactly your concern, that the Preserve areas are designed to protect animals and the environment.

[Barefoot]

http://www.freekibble.com/slideshow/WiseWords/images/2.jpg

[Sandtrap328]

:thumbup: Sandtrap, well said.



I don't understand the need to start trapping coyotes in Preserve areas.
It's sad to lose a pet, so please keep them safe AND ON A LEASH!
Loonlovers: I emailed Mr. Burgess with the same result.
I responded back to Mr. B with exactly your concern, that the Preserve areas are designed to protect animals and the environment.

I also just spoke with Dave Burgess at 352-753-4508 and he claimed he was just the person whose name got attached to the order. He said his boss, Sam Wartenbee, was in charge. I suggested that Mr. Wartenbee, myself, a couple of other interested parties, and a reporter from The Daily Sun sit down for a conversation that could be in the paper regarding coyote trapping in a wildlife preserve.

Dave told me he would relay that on to Mr. Wartenbee and he will get back to me. Anyone interested in talking with them? PM me.

[Callaway Guy]

Folks, it makes absolutely no difference whether or not if the traps mutilate the coyotes or not. Trapped coyotes ARE NOT going to be turned loose in an unpopulated area. They will be killed!

As I stated before, if, on my walks, I happen to see a coyote trap, I am going to destroy the trap. If I cannot destroy it, I will spring it and throw it in a dumpster.

Sure, it is sad that ONE dog got snatched by a coyote but the dog was outside off a leash! Keep your dogs on a short leash, use common sense, and you will have no problem.

The Pringles shakers are a great idea. Common sense prevails!

Easy, skippy. I hope common sense prevails with you; I'm sure you wouldn't want a destruction of property charge because of your love of a dangerous, predatory, rogue animal. You'll be the first person the Police will want to talk to if the owners of the traps press the issue.

[Sandtrap328]

Easy, skippy. I hope common sense prevails with you; I'm sure you wouldn't want a destruction of property charge because of your love of a dangerous, predatory, rogue animal. You'll be the first person the Police will want to talk to if the owners of the traps press the issue.

No worries, mate. Common sense prevails.

[gpirate]

http://www.freekibble.com/slideshow/WiseWords/images/2.jpg

Barefoot great picture and message. It seems the helping others in most of the USA is gone and hope we can get it back. One of the reasons moving to TV was the friendliness of the people living here.

[kittygilchrist]

See updated coyote thread 9/4 with email letter from the director. None of this makes sense.