Bad news coyote update from VCDD

[kittygilchrist]

I was told by email and posted a few days ago word from Dave Burgess, VCDD asst dir of Property mgmt, that trappers had already been hired to take coyotes.

After yesterdays sighting in Gilchrist east, one of those who saw the coyote also emailed property mgt and received this quite disturbing response from the director of property mgt:

------------------

Paulette Campanella, Village of Duval
I sent an e-mail [to VCDD] as suggested and this is the reply I received. Very troubling to say the least. They can threaten our domestic pets but not the wildlife!!!
************************************************** *********************
Ms. Campanella,
I just got off the phone with the Ocala Regional office of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 352-732-1225. They ask that any sightings of coyotes be reported to them. They state there is nothing they can do about the coyotes. The Village Community Development Districts can only deal with the coyotes when they are threatening endangered wildlife in the Preserve areas.
If you have any questions please call.
Sam Wartinbee
Director, District Property Management
1071 Canal St.
The Villages Fl. 32162
352-753-4022
Sam.wartinbee@districtgov.org

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Partial post on original sighting in Gilchrist east social media..
Original post by Glenda Wolfe from Gilchrist East (15 replies):
Neighbors, three of us were talking in Altman's kitchen just now (1:45 PM) on Euclid when a coyote ran between our houses (I'm on Amherst Way) heading for Ft. Walton golf course. I thought, at...

[Taltarzac725]

I was told by email and posted a few days ago word from Dave Burgess, VCDD asst dir of Property mgmt, that trappers had already been hired to take coyotes.

After yesterdays sighting in Gilchrist east, one of those who saw the coyote also emailed property mgt and received this quite different and disturbing response from the director of property mgt:

------------------

Paulette Campanella, Village of Duval
I sent an e-mail [to VCDD] as suggested and this is the reply I received. Very troubling to say the least. They can threaten our domestic pets but not the wildlife!!!
************************************************** *********************
Ms. Campanella,
I just got off the phone with the Ocala Regional office of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 352-732-1225. They ask that any sightings of coyotes be reported to them. They state there is nothing they can do about the coyotes. The Village Community Development Districts can only deal with the coyotes when they are threatening endangered wildlife in the Preserve areas.
If you have any questions please call.
Sam Wartinbee
Director, District Property Management
1071 Canal St.
The Villages Fl. 32162
352-753-4022
Sam.wartinbee@districtgov.org

--------

Partial post on original sighting in Gilchrist east social media..
Original post by Glenda Wolfe from Gilchrist East (15 replies):
Neighbors, three of us were talking in Altman's kitchen just now (1:45 PM) on Euclid when a coyote ran between our houses (I'm on Amherst Way) heading for Ft. Walton golf course. I thought, at...

Whom do the trappers work for? How are they different from the alligators who eat pets in the pets' territory? The problem is that these coyotes are coming onto Villages' residential areas and taking pets. If a pet wanders onto the Preserve that is tough luck for the pet and their owners' but this is different. What would happen if an alligator took a pet from someone's front yard? My guess is it would soon be sold as meat by the trapper who caught and killed it?

[manaboutown]

Whom do the trappers work for? How are they different from the alligators who eat pets in the pets' territory? The problem is that these coyotes are coming onto Villages' residential areas and taking pets. If a pet wanders onto the Preserve that is tough luck for the pet and their owners' but this is different. What would happen if an alligator took a pet from someone's front yard? My guess is it would soon be sold as meat by the trapper who caught and killed it?

And---alligators are indigenous to Florida whereas coyotes are not (from what I have read).

[Chi-Town]

I went through this in the town where I used to live in Illinois. Trappers were used initially, but shortly after came the message to live with them.


"Coyotes are native to Northern Illinois and are very common to the area. While coyotes may seem threatening and problematic, they rarely pose a problem to suburban dwellers. Coyotes are typically too intelligent and shy to be easily caught � and so pose a serious problem. It often takes over 200 man hours to catch a coyote, and the cost of doing so typically far outstrips the benefits. *If you see a coyote in your area please remain calm and understand that they are a natural part of the wildlife in northern Illinois."

[kittygilchrist]

This is copied from the website of the Florida Fish and wildlife conservation commission, the same organization Mr. Wartinbee quotes in his letter as saying the state can do nothing on private property. It appears to me the property owner can hire trappers, just as Tal concluded.

"Hunting and trapping are allowable methods year round for dealing with coyotes on private lands in Florida, or a professional trapper can be hired to remove coyotes. An FWC permit is required use steel traps. The FWC does not license nuisance wildlife trappers but does maintain a list of trappers that have registered their contact information. The USDA Wildlife Services also can provide assistance with wildlife trapping; call 866-487-3297."

Source
FAQs: Coyote (Canis latrans) (http://m.myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/coyote/faqs/)

In researching options regarding the coyotes as having eaten some of our pets plus a report of one having Bared its teeth at a resident, I spoke to a trapper from Wildwood, who has been hired by the CDD in the past to remove alligators. He said that he contracts with another trapper who has appropriate sized cages for coyotes. He spoke knowledgeably about that process including frankly telling me the coyotes could not be relocated and are killed.

The cost to the property owner? $75 per catch, payable only if trapper is successful.
What do you all make of VCDD's response as in the letter above? I am not happy.
I have a cat whose favorite place in the lanai is no longer safe.

With due respect to those who rue The trapping and death of the wild animal, And with empathy for the beautiful displaced coyotes, it is my opinion that action can and should be taken by VCDD, and the state is being used as an excuse for inaction.

I would like to be shown that I am wrong. In earlier posts on this subject I stated my confidence that VCDD would step up.

[loonlovers]

I suspect that like myself, others wrote to Mr Burgess and Mr. Wartinbee (sp?) about the trapping of the coyotes. Like many, I was greatly disturbed that the trapping was taking place in the Preserve which by its very name, is an area designated to protect the natural environment and its inhabitants. Perhaps a humane or animal conservation group has become involved and the publicity of destroying animals in a Preserve is verboten and would create undue bad publicity for the Villages.

I think there is a bit of hysteria taking place surrounding coyote attacks in The Villages. I believe there is only one documented instance in which a pet has been snatched by a coyote. Other reports are from "somebody that my friend heard about for somebody"!

If an animal (any animal including domestic pets) poses a threat in a neighborhood, that animal needs to be removed and/or destroyed if necessary. But, from my understanding of my note from Mr. Burgess, the animals being targeted are the animals that live in the Preserve.

Our neighborhood has coexisted with the Preserve occupants for years with no known attacks. If a coyote were to suddenly appear at the end of my driveway, I would make a noise and I would almost guarantee that coyote will high tail back under the fence to the Preserve!

Sadly we have not heard the coyotes in the past couple of weeks. We thought that the flooding in the effluent area had driven the coyotes further back into the wooded area. Now I fear that the trapping has already taken place.

It is a sad day in the neighborhood.

[gerryann]

Confusing. I read about the coyote that snatched a villagers dog......very sad. Have there been more attacks? Has an alligator eaten a pet? I haven't heard about that either. I've been out of town for a few days. .....what have I missed?

[Bogie Shooter]

Confusing. I read about the coyote that snatched a villagers dog......very sad. Have there been more attacks? Has an alligator eaten a pet? I haven't heard about that either. I've been out of town for a few days. .....what have I missed?

Not much factual.

[gomoho]

This absolutely breaks my heart - just how sterile must The Villages be?

[njbchbum]

I don't have a a pet to walk [other than my husband ;) ] before or after dark. I understand anyone's fear of gators, coyotes, and even dogs. What I don't understand is the intense desire of pet owners/dog walkers to have coyotes trapped and killed rather than exercise personal responsibility to do their best to avoid them. What am I missing?

[Sandtrap328]

I don't have a a pet to walk [other than my husband ;) ] before or after dark. I understand anyone's fear of gators, coyotes, and even dogs. What I don't understand is the intense desire of pet owners/dog walkers to have coyotes trapped and killed rather than exercise personal responsibility to do their best to avoid them. What am I missing?

You are not missing anything.

There was ONE dog that got snatched by a coyote and that was after midnight and the little dog was out in the yard without a leash.

Hopefully, there will be no coyote trapping - especially inside a wildlife preserve. Thanks to all who called VCDD and commented about the idiocy of trapping inside a wildlife preserve.

Personal responsibility and common sense are the best choices.

[Taltarzac725]

I don't have a a pet to walk [other than my husband ;) ] before or after dark. I understand anyone's fear of gators, coyotes, and even dogs. What I don't understand is the intense desire of pet owners/dog walkers to have coyotes trapped and killed rather than exercise personal responsibility to do their best to avoid them. What am I missing?

One dog snatched and two cats more than probably taken from lanais. These were all near golf courses. Dogs have been snatched by alligators but there is usually a negligent dog walker involved going too close to a pond. I do emphasize common sense in my own actions and carry a whistle and three of four golf balls on night walks. And I would be screaming at a coyote -- I hope-- if it approached me and my dog.

As many know I have been a victim advocate of sorts focusing my efforts on education about the rights and services available to them aggressively on-and-off since 1992 based on my experiences in Reno, Nevada connected with the 2-24-1976 murder of Michelle Mitchell. A sad fact still is that many crimes are never reported to police for a variety of reasons one of them being embarrassment. That's probably why you have not heard about these cat snatchings as the people might be afraid that they would be blamed in some way.

You would be surprised how many law students at the University of Minnesota Law School in 1986-1989 were victims of crimes --some even committed by other law students-- and they usually never reported these crimes because of fear of losing other people's respect. Many shared their experiences with me when word about my own experiences was circulated.

I do not think this is hysteria about the coyotes especially in the areas where they have just recently been pushed out of their territories because of house building south of CR466A. The sightings in the newest areas of the Villages show this.

I do think trapping coyotes in preserves is idiotic. It sounds like something from a Saturday Night Life skit. That's the coyotes and other animals natural habitat. It would be a very negligent dog walker to go out there unless perhaps the dog was lost in that area.

My point in this is that coyote sightings and snatchings are probably just shared between caring friends and not reported especially if the pet owner feels like he or she could have done more to protect the pet that was taken.

[gerryann]

When and where was a dog ever snatched by a gator here in The Villages? And what cats were taken by coyotes? What facts are there except for the dog taken?

[kittygilchrist]

I am a Floridian. I am not hysterical.
Totv has been the site for discussions in which alligators that did not snatch anything were trapped outside preserves, and wild hogs were trapped near a course where they were rooting up dirt.
Now we have coyotes, one of which did eat dog that was in its own yard, And two reports, one of which I could obtain verification for that cats were clearly taken by something that entered the lanai.

Yesterday I sat on the lanai with my cat and watched the most beautiful coyote I ever saw run from the golf course pond toward the house next to mine and run between it and the next house, in broad daylight.

I am sorry for the alligators and the hogs and the coyotes, but I fail to see why those that killed nothing are trapped and those that killed a dog are not. To state the obvious, we are displacing them. I would gently ask those whose conscience is offended by the trap and kill of nuisance animals, if there is not some gap in the ideal of preserving them when your home rests on the land we took from them?

This now is mine and my animals are my priority. Coyotes, alligators and hogs are no longer welcome. My dog is the canine entitled to this little patch of turf, and cat, age 21, deserves to enjoy the sun on the lanai.

I had my say, and I respect those who differ.

[bagboy]

We build homes on land that were once home to wildlife: alligators, snakes, coyotes, deer, etc. Then we are shocked that we have encounters with them. For the most part, leave them alone and the favor will be returned.

[gerryann]

We build homes on land that were once home to wildlife: alligators, snakes, coyotes, deer, etc. Then we are shocked that we have encounters with them. For the most part, leave them alone and the favor will be returned.

Totally agree. Don't build in this state and expect it to change to suit your lifestyle. All of these animals belong here and should be left alone.

I still don't know when or where cats were supposedly snatched from lanai's, but if this is the case, maybe you'll have to stay with your cats outdoors, or leash them, or keep them indoors, or.......

[Bosoxfan]

I'm sorry for anyone that loses their pet to these animal BUT...We all should be aware that we live in a place where the natural habitats before us still roam this land. We as owners should take responsibility for the safety of our pets without going to the extreme of trapping & killing wildlife. Dog owners should be either walking their dogs on leashes where your pet is close enough to you that you can control it and it's surroundings. If you're going to walk your dog in the dark be extra vigilant this is the time that wildlife feels safe to roam. Also there are dog parks available to take your dogs to that have fences where your dog can be off leash and socialize with other dogs.If you live here most likely coyotes & gators are somewhere close to your home so if you feel your kitty enjoys sitting on the lanai please be out there with them.It's easier to say let's get rid of the wildlife instead of looking at what we can do to take responsibility for our pets safety!!

[tomwed]

When and where was a dog ever snatched by a gator here in The Villages? And what cats were taken by coyotes? What facts are there except for the dog taken?
click here
(http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-18/news/os-villages-man-saves-dog-gator-20120918_1_gator-jaws-pond)

I haven't been here long but I remember this story.

[kittygilchrist]

Pit bull saves cat from coyote attack in Seminole Fl - YouTube (http://youtu.be/yKv3cv4y7_4) Pit bull saves cat from 2 coyotes

Central Florida Gardening - Living With Wild Coyotes - YouTube (http://youtu.be/15zfeECKZDk) "How to live with coyotes...never leave children unattended. Think of them as if there was a mean dog next door."

Coyotes In Florida - YouTube (http://youtu.be/0CinqxVbg-c) "If a coyote is after your child, pick them up snd yell, scream, and flail your arms"

Coyotes Blamed For Pet Attacks In Boca Raton � CBS Miami (http://miami.cbslocal.com/2015/06/02/coyotes-blamed-for-pet-attacks-in-boca-raton/) Two dogs snatched Boca Raton, june, 2015. One dead, the other was on leash when pulled away from owner. Video of gashes on puppy saved by neighbor.

[Chi-Town]

Totally agree. Don't build in this state and expect it to change to suit your lifestyle. All of these animals belong here and should be left alone.

I still don't know when or where cats were supposedly snatched from lanai's, but if this is the case, maybe you'll have to stay with your cats outdoors, or leash them, or keep them indoors, or.......

The cats snatched from the lanai story was third or fourth hand information never verified. The originator still brings it up under probable. I wouldn't worry.

[Barefoot]

I think there is a bit of hysteria taking place surrounding coyote attacks in The Villages. I believe there is only one documented instance in which a pet has been snatched by a coyote. Other reports are from "somebody that my friend heard about for somebody"! If an animal (any animal including domestic pets) poses a threat in a neighborhood, that animal needs to be removed and/or destroyed if necessary. But, from my understanding of my note from Mr. Burgess, the animals being targeted are the animals that live in the Preserve.

This absolutely breaks my heart - just how sterile must The Villages be?

What I don't understand is the intense desire of pet owners/dog walkers to have coyotes trapped and killed rather than exercise personal responsibility to do their best to avoid them.

There was ONE dog that got snatched by a coyote and that was after midnight and the little dog was out in the yard without a leash. Hopefully, there will be no coyote trapping - especially inside a wildlife preserve. Thanks to all who called VCDD and commented about the idiocy of trapping inside a wildlife preserve.
Personal responsibility and common sense are the best choices.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=gerryann;1109090]Don't build in this state and expect it to change to suit your lifestyle. All of these animals belong here and should be left alone.

It's easier to say let's get rid of the wildlife instead of looking at what we can do to take responsibility for our pets safety!!

:agree: Personal responsibility and common sense.

[Sandtrap328]

The cats snatched from the lanai story was third or fourth hand information never verified. The originator still brings it up under probable. I wouldn't worry.

IF a cat was ever taken by a wild animal from inside a lanai by bursting through the screen - there would have been much ado on TOTV about it as well as in the Daily Sun. The Sun does like to portray a friendly and safe environment but they do have reports of the very infrequent break-ins, fires, and golf cart accidents as does the POA paper.


I am very skeptical of the cats taken story.

[tomwed]

A little common sense goes a long way. Put your trash out in the morning. If the threat was as serious as some say, there would be garbage bags torn up every night.

Are there torn up trash bags in your neighborhood?

[Taltarzac725]

The cats snatched from the lanai story was third or fourth hand information never verified. The originator still brings it up under probable. I wouldn't worry.

I know the house on Livingston Loop in the Village of Lynnhaven where this cat was supposedly taken. And, a friend of the second cat owner posted on here and saw the evidence of the critter's foot prints with her own eyes.

The probability of these snatchings is high. Perhaps, they were too traumatized by the experiences to call the Villages Daily Sun and relive it. And. I do not see why they would call the police unless a person broke into the lanai. They probably would call their insurance agent if this were covered.

Seems there is a lot of denial on here that something bad can happen here in the Villages to pets.

The Villages has a lot of areas where wildlife can roam freely so most of the time they would hunt there. Maybe, the weaker of the hunters are being pushed out by some of the stronger coyotes??? That's why there are not more trash bags ripped up because most of the time the coyotes get enough to eat in the preserve areas.

[kittygilchrist]

Burbank Ca. Video of coyote pack chasing man with large dog on leash.
Coyote Pack Chases Unarmed Man And His Dog - YouTube (http://youtu.be/nH4WhTQqnJ8)

Huntington Beach. Coyote eating white cat in front yard. Coyote Eats Cat in Huntington Beach - Warfest.com Local News - YouTube (http://youtu.be/nw7ROh3Hc8k)

[gerryann]

tomwed, I was not aware of the incident that you provided the link for. Thanks.

When I am around a pond with my pup, I am extremely cautious! ....as everyone needs to be. I've lived near gators most of my life and we must just be aware of our surroundings.

I've been out of contact for a few days and was not aware that some were calling for trapping of coyotes. I'm glad that apparently it will not happen.....that would be just plain wrong!

[gerryann]

Polo Ridge has many feral cats that I have personally seen rummaging through garbage bags on three different occasions while out walking my pup, so don't assume that it's always coyotes ripping the bags apart.

[kittygilchrist]

Coyote stalks and starts going in for attack on elderly lady and dog - YouTube (http://youtu.be/-4Ij9kwfdxk) "I am a nature lover but this coyote should be put down. It is stalking kids and ladies."

[gerryann]

Burbank Ca. Video of coyote pack chasing man with large dog on leash.
Coyote Pack Chases Unarmed Man And His Dog - YouTube (http://youtu.be/nH4WhTQqnJ8)

Huntington Beach. Coyote eating white cat in front yard. Coyote Eats Cat in Huntington Beach - Warfest.com Local News - YouTube (http://youtu.be/nw7ROh3Hc8k)

That is scary for sure Kitty. In California it is a really big problem. I don't believe they trap them there. My son lives in San Diego and is just very careful with his pets.

[kittygilchrist]

USDA APHIS | Wildlife Damage (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_programs/sa_nwrc/sa_research/sa_predator_management/ct_coyote_symposium/!ut/p/a0/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOK9_D2MDJ0MjDzd3V2dDD z93HwCzL29jAwMTfQLsh0VAXWczqE!/)

Education for us all. This is no small bury in the sand problem...please look at this.

[kittygilchrist]

Irvine, Ca, 4 children attacked. One was in garage of house.
Coyotes are being trapped and euthanized 5 have been caught. One linked by dna to child attack. June, 2015

Irvine child's coyote attack 4th in last two months | abc7.com (http://abc7.com/pets/irvine-childs-coyote-attack-4th-in-last-two-months/839307/)

[CFrance]

I don't have a a pet to walk [other than my husband ;) ] before or after dark. I understand anyone's fear of gators, coyotes, and even dogs. What I don't understand is the intense desire of pet owners/dog walkers to have coyotes trapped and killed rather than exercise personal responsibility to do their best to avoid them. What am I missing?
Amen!

[kittygilchrist]

Ocala 2013 coyote pack strips dog from man walking him on leash as he fights for dog's life. Dog assumed eaten.

Ocala resident: Coyotes attack just feet from front door, snatching small dog | Ocala.com (http://www.ocala.com/article/20130814/ARTICLES/130819853?p=3&tc=pg)

"It doesn't surprise me that there's coyotes out there (in a residential area)," Hill said. "They're in all 67 counties in Florida. I can hear them at my house. But it's pretty bold when they take a dog right off the leash like that. It's happened before, but it's rare."

Here is the advice I am taking:
Hill said, then, that it is up to residents of coyote-infested areas to take matters into their own hands. They can shoot them, if the law permits. Or they can try to scare them away, because coyotes, like dogs, quickly lose their fear of people if they aren't challenged.

May 2015 coyote attacks man, west boca A man is attacked by a coyote in a West Boca subdivision, possibly same animal spotted 3 weeks ago - wptv.com (http://www.wptv.com/news/region-s-palm-beach-county/boca-raton/a-man-is-attacked-by-a-coyote-in-a-west-boca-subdivision-possibly-same-animal-spotted-3-weeks-ago)

[Bryan]

The thread seems to have gone a little off track. Initially, the question concerned the dichotomy between the VCDD answer supplied by Dave Burgess, Assistant Director of Property Management and Sam Wartinbee, Director of Property Management.

Both responses were true and factual but both were slightly incomplete.

Mr. Burgess was correct in that VCDD can, and has in the past, and may presently have hired, trappers for coyotes. What he failed to mention is that these trappers can only trap on district property like the wetlands areas, wildlife preserve areas, etc., where the general public in not supposed to go The District has no right, no authority, and probably a lot of liability, if they placed dangerous steel traps on private property like your yard or lanai. As a homeowner, that is up to you to do. Same restrictions apply to the District when trapping on public property (postal stations, roadway mediums, around rec centers, golf courses, etc.) where the public is allowed access � dangerous to place traps where they might injure people or pets so it won�t be done.

Mr. Wartinbee was correct when he pointed out that Fish and Wildlife won�t do anything about coyotes in your yard. That is up to you, the homeowner. He was also correct in that the District does have an obligation to protect endangered species threatened by coyotes in our wetlands and preserves. He just did not explain the when/where/and how the District will arrange for that trapping, should they determine it is necessary in those untamed areas of The Villages.

Bottom line, both responses delivered the same message using a different approach. That message is �Coyotes are here. The District will meet its legal obligations to protect endangered species in wetlands and preserves. Your property is your concern. Deal with it.�

[Taltarzac725]

Coyotes | Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (http://arff.org/coyotes) I found this link. That is true that the displaced coyotes in the south part of the Villages would probably soon take the place of any trapped on a private residence. The same logic though applies to coyotes endangering protected species in the wildlife preserves unless the VCCs hired a lot of trappers or a couple with very long contracts.

I do see the liability problem except for traps set on golf courses from midnight though 4AM or so. They could also announce the setting of traps at these periods so that almost no one would be on these golf courses in the middle of the night. That does seem to be how the coyotes are getting around. There would be the problem of loose dogs or feral cats getting into the traps but that would also apply to the protected preserves as well.

[kittygilchrist]

The thread seems to have gone a little off track. Initially, the question concerned the dichotomy between the VCDD answer supplied by Dave Burgess, Assistant Director of Property Management and Sam Wartinbee, Director of Property Management.

Both responses were true and factual but both were slightly incomplete.

Mr. Burgess was correct in that VCDD can, and has in the past, and may presently have hired, trappers for coyotes. What he failed to mention is that these trappers can only trap on district property like the wetlands areas, wildlife preserve areas, etc., where the general public in not supposed to go The District has no right, no authority, and probably a lot of liability, if they placed dangerous steel traps on private property like your yard or lanai. As a homeowner, that is up to you to do. Same restrictions apply to the District when trapping on public property (postal stations, roadway mediums, around rec centers, golf courses, etc.) where the public is allowed access – dangerous to place traps where they might injure people or pets so it won’t be done.

Mr. Wartinbee was correct when he pointed out that Fish and Wildlife won’t do anything about coyotes in your yard. That is up to you, the homeowner. He was also correct in that the District does have an obligation to protect endangered species threatened by coyotes in our wetlands and preserves. He just did not explain the when/where/and how the District will arrange for that trapping, should they determine it is necessary in those untamed areas of The Villages.

Bottom line, both responses delivered the same message using a different approach. That message is “Coyotes are here. The District will meet its legal obligations to protect endangered species in wetlands and preserves. Your property is your concern. Deal with it.”

Do you suppose it would be ok then that a neighborhood with a frequently seen coyote pack hire a trapper and put the trap on a selected resident yard? Given the videos I posted from FL and other urban areas of coyotes stalking eople and pets on lead being eaten and multiple articles of children hospitalized from bites and needing rabies protection, I like the idea.

If your analysis is correct, I am puzzled, how it is that I saw an alligator being taken from a pond on a course near the crosswalk from the course to the mailboxes. Surely with a crosswalk, people were supposed to be there.

Also, wasn't cane garden where a resident on that course had wild hogs in the yard, that trappers were hired?

I cannot add up the VCDD response to the coyotes and make 2 and 2 equal 4.

PS, re whether I am hysterical anout wildlife know I am a Floridian, from rural, wild woods. know when to hold 'em? Caught a snake in my pool this morning and will release to Evans Prairie. Common Garter.

PPS I surfaced to Mr. burgess early on that folks here were talking about shooting coyotes and posted basically that VCDD would handle the problem and carrying was a bad idea. I have done a 180 on that and will write Mr. Wartinbee a cogent letter of my intention to shelve my small .38 on my backside when walking, with or without a pet. I am sad about the whole thing, for coyotes, VCDD, grieving pet owners, cats unsafe on the lanai, and the possibility that there will be more bad news.

[Kitty Litter]

First, I would like to say that I can't imagine watching your dog being snatched by another animal. My heart goes out to that family. What if the animal that carried off that dog was an eagle or owl? Would everyone want to start killing these animals as well? I'm sure many of the cats that have gone missing were killed by birds of prey. I love the Villages not only for the lifestyle but also for all of the wild life that we get to enjoy. Watch your pets and leave the coyotes alone.

[graciegirl]

The thread seems to have gone a little off track. Initially, the question concerned the dichotomy between the VCDD answer supplied by Dave Burgess, Assistant Director of Property Management and Sam Wartinbee, Director of Property Management.

Both responses were true and factual but both were slightly incomplete.

Mr. Burgess was correct in that VCDD can, and has in the past, and may presently have hired, trappers for coyotes. What he failed to mention is that these trappers can only trap on district property like the wetlands areas, wildlife preserve areas, etc., where the general public in not supposed to go The District has no right, no authority, and probably a lot of liability, if they placed dangerous steel traps on private property like your yard or lanai. As a homeowner, that is up to you to do. Same restrictions apply to the District when trapping on public property (postal stations, roadway mediums, around rec centers, golf courses, etc.) where the public is allowed access � dangerous to place traps where they might injure people or pets so it won�t be done.

Mr. Wartinbee was correct when he pointed out that Fish and Wildlife won�t do anything about coyotes in your yard. That is up to you, the homeowner. He was also correct in that the District does have an obligation to protect endangered species threatened by coyotes in our wetlands and preserves. He just did not explain the when/where/and how the District will arrange for that trapping, should they determine it is necessary in those untamed areas of The Villages.

Bottom line, both responses delivered the same message using a different approach. That message is �Coyotes are here. The District will meet its legal obligations to protect endangered species in wetlands and preserves. Your property is your concern. Deal with it.�


Well explained, Bryan. The district/developers aren't our mother.

[Taltarzac725]

First, I would like to say that I can't imagine watching your dog being snatched by another animal. My heart goes out to that family. What if the animal that carried off that dog was an eagle or owl? Would everyone want to start killing these animals as well? I'm sure many of the cats that have gone missing were killed by birds of prey. I love the Villages not only for the lifestyle but also for all of the wild life that we get to enjoy. Watch your pets and leave the coyotes alone.

I know birds of prey get ducks and rabbits and imagine they could get small dogs as well. There have been some falcons in the neighborhood we have been here in Lynnhaven. I hope no one would be stupid enough to shoot at a bird of prey carrying away a dog as you do not know where your bullet will go even if it hits the bird.

I just do not like coyotes wandering in residential areas of the Villages. They are very worthwhile to have in wildlife preserves for the most part. They hunt mice, rats, snakes, etc. This does seem to be a problem all over the US. Living with coyotes - This is Reno (http://thisisreno.com/2010/02/living-with-coyotes/) But, the Villages seems very unique in how big it is and how quickly developed.

[MDLNB]

An interesting read regarding coyotes: http://myfwc.com/media/1228800/CoyoteWhitePaperFinal.pdf

They are "naturalized" not native. Meaning, they were imported to Florida.

According to the paper, they can be legally be killed but it requires a license to trap them, hunt them at night or transport them.

I have some experience with coyotes on my property in NC. One barked and harassed my wife when she was taking the trash out, but did not attack. He/she was still there when I quickly responded and it barked at me. I moved toward it shouting, causing it to retreat into the woods, and it kept barking as it slowly retreated. I have had many of them travel through my yard as I watched, totally unconcerned with my presence. I have also seen them chasing a deer, and then later finding a deer carcass nearby. I had grandchildren playing nearby so I always carried a weapon with me, just in case needed.

I don't fear coyotes, but I do respect them. I don't worry about them here because I live in a walled courtyard villa. I have yet to observe a coyote here, but unless it is sick or really starving, I doubt it would blatantly attack me. But, since I do not walk a small dog, I doubt it would be interested. I love animals (all of them) so I would not bother with one unless it attacked someone nearby. If so, I would be inclined to kill it, if no other solution presented itself. I think coyotes are beautiful animals, but should be treated with respect. They are wild and untamed, so they should be treated as such.

Walking a pet at night is kind of like a girl walking city alleys. Bait for predators. Just my opinion.

[Taltarzac725]

An interesting read regarding coyotes: http://myfwc.com/media/1228800/CoyoteWhitePaperFinal.pdf

They are "naturalized" not native. Meaning, they were imported to Florida.

According to the paper, they can be legally be killed but it requires a license to trap them, hunt them at night or transport them.

I have some experience with coyotes on my property in NC. One barked and harassed my wife when she was taking the trash out, but did not attack. He/she was still there when I quickly responded and it barked at me. I moved toward it shouting, causing it to retreat into the woods, and it kept barking as it slowly retreated. I have had many of them travel through my yard as I watched, totally unconcerned with my presence. I have also seen them chasing a deer, and then later finding a deer carcass nearby. I had grandchildren playing nearby so I always carried a weapon with me, just in case needed.

I don't fear coyotes, but I do respect them. I don't worry about them here because I live in a walled courtyard villa. I have yet to observe a coyote here, but unless it is sick or really starving, I doubt it would blatantly attack me. But, since I do not walk a small dog, I doubt it would be interested. I love animals (all of them) so I would not bother with one unless it attacked someone nearby. If so, I would be inclined to kill it, if no other solution presented itself. I think coyotes are beautiful animals, but should be treated with respect. They are wild and untamed, so they should be treated as such.

Walking a pet at night is kind of like a girl walking city alleys. Bait for predators. Just my opinion.


I no longer walk Beau anywhere near the ponds at night. He used to like go on Morven Parkway at night which has a very dark part of the road between a few holes of the golf course south of Pimlico Rec Center. Neighbors have seen coyotes there at night. I did see a coyote running near Lynnhaven Postal Center at 7:45 AM while walking my previous dog Sport but the coyote then ran twenty feet from us in a huge hurry to get across the golf course and into some farm land. It did scare the golfers quite a bit.

Sport tangled with a mother opossum in our backyard. I picked him up when he was inches from her muzzle while hissing at him. Opossums have the most teeth of any North American land mammal so I was quite scared of it. But, no call to anyone as the opossum and its young had a right to be there. So, it and its pups(?) would not be easy prey for the coyotes. https://youtu.be/Q73m7i-Cl2A

[gerryann]

Here is the advice I am taking:
Hill said, then, that it is up to residents of coyote-infested areas to take matters into their own hands. They can shoot them, if the law permits. Or they can try to scare them away, because coyotes, like dogs, quickly lose their fear of people if they aren't challenged.

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Sorry kitty, but the first advice scares the bajeebees out of me. We do not need older folks walking around with guns shooting in residential areas. Scaring them is fine...whistles, horns, yelling...anything, but No Guns!!

[Sandtrap328]

Sorry kitty, but the first advice scares the bajeebees out of me. We do not need older folks walking around with guns shooting in residential areas. Scaring them is fine...whistles, horns, yelling...anything, but No Guns!!

It is also illegal to fire a gun unless it is on your property and the bullet does not go beyond your own property.

[Barefoot]

...... the first advice scares the bajeebees out of me. We do not need older folks walking around with guns shooting in residential areas. Scaring them is fine...whistles, horns, yelling...anything, but No Guns!!

:agree: with Gerryann's post.
I feel extremely sorry for the people who lost their little dog. But the dog wasn't leashed, and it seems to be an isolated situation.
Coyotes are normally shy animals that can be scared off by loud noise. I've seen coyotes in The Villages but they've been very timid.
I haven't heard of any pets being threatened while walking on a leash.

[MDLNB]

It is also illegal to fire a gun unless it is on your property and the bullet does not go beyond your own property.

Not true. Using a gun in self defense is perfectly legit. I have been carrying concealed for decades without discharging it with disregard for safety. But, even if what you said was true, I would take the fine willingly if I was able to protect someone else, myself or your pet. But, I doubt you would have to worry about it anyway, since most coyotes run away from humans. But, just to be on the safe side, so that I don't have to discharge my firearm, please feel free to toss your pet to the coyote for a quick snack. :mmmm:

[MDLNB]

Sorry kitty, but the first advice scares the bajeebees out of me. We do not need older folks walking around with guns shooting in residential areas. Scaring them is fine...whistles, horns, yelling...anything, but No Guns!!

Old folks driving scares me more than old folks with guns. :D

[MDLNB]

I no longer walk Beau anywhere near the ponds at night. He used to like go on Morven Parkway at night which has a very dark part of the road between a few holes of the golf course south of Pimlico Rec Center. Neighbors have seen coyotes there at night. I did see a coyote running near Lynnhaven Postal Center at 7:45 AM while walking my previous dog Sport but the coyote then ran twenty feet from us in a huge hurry to get across the golf course and into some farm land. It did scare the golfers quite a bit.

Sport tangled with a mother opossum in our backyard. I picked him up when he was inches from her muzzle while hissing at him. Opossums have the most teeth of any North American land mammal so I was quite scared of it. But, no call to anyone as the opossum and its young had a right to be there. So, it and its pups(?) would not be easy prey for the coyotes. https://youtu.be/Q73m7i-Cl2A

Coyotes are doing you a favor. They eat opossums, raccoon, etc. Of course, they also eat birds, bird eggs, even watermelons. :doggie: And of course, dogs and cats when available.

[gerryann]

Old folks driving scares me more than old folks with guns. :D

Old folks alone scare me....:22yikes:

[Taltarzac725]

I have heard that people who come to Doggie Doo Doo Run sometimes are packing heat. These are dog owners. Not sure why anyone would be carrying a concealed weapon at a dog park in the day time but that seems to be their right if they have a concealed carry permit.

There are several ex- law enforcement people who come to DDRR. I doubt if they are the people armed. They could be though.

I am getting this from some of the employees at DDRR.

I suppose other Villagers are also carrying concealed weapons. Some have very valid reasons like a stalker who might cross state lines; enemies made from their previous jobs who might hold a grudge that could become violent like retired lawyers, politicians, judges and the like; etc.

If these weapon carriers are very well trained with gun safety I do not have any problem with them being armed though.

[MDLNB]

:agree: with Gerryann's post.
I feel extremely sorry for the people who lost their little dog. But the dog wasn't leashed, and it seems to be an isolated situation.
Coyotes are normally shy animals that can be scared off by loud noise. I've seen coyotes in The Villages but they've been very timid.
I haven't heard of any pets being threatened while walking on a leash.

Man and his two dogs attacked by coyotes

Coyotes Attack Man and His 2 Small Dogs in Ocala | NBC 6 South Florida (http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/Coyotes-Attack-Man-and-His-2-Small-Dogs-in-Ocala--219911851.html)

[Chi-Town]

Not true. Using a gun in self defense is perfectly legit. I have been carrying concealed for decades without discharging it with disregard for safety. But, even if what you said was true, I would take the fine willingly if I was able to protect someone else, myself or your pet. But, I doubt you would have to worry about it anyway, since most coyotes run away from humans. But, just to be on the safe side, so that I don't have to discharge my firearm, please feel free to toss your pet to the coyote for a quick snack. :mmmm:

Made sense until the end

[gerryann]

Man and his two dogs attacked by coyotes

Coyotes Attack Man and His 2 Small Dogs in Ocala | NBC 6 South Florida (http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/Coyotes-Attack-Man-and-His-2-Small-Dogs-in-Ocala--219911851.html)

But again....sounds like no leash!

When I walk....I've stopped going in the really dark times. My dog is on a short leash. I carry a flashlight, a phone and a long billy club.

Also, unless it's middle of the day, I stay away from the ponds.

[MDLNB]

Made sense until the end

I was being facetious at the end. Trying to lighten it up a bit. Warped sense of humor. Let's go back to the political side :D

[Chi-Town]

I was being facetious at the end. Trying to lighten it up a bit. Warped sense of humor. Let's go back to the political side :D
I appreciate a warped sense of humor, never should have missed it. Thanks.

[MDLNB]

Old folks alone scare me....:22yikes:

Glad I'm a young 65. Youngest in my neighborhood. :D

[kittygilchrist]

But again....sounds like no leash!

When I walk....I've stopped going in the really dark times. My dog is on a short leash. I carry a flashlight, a phone and a long billy club.

Also, unless it's middle of the day, I stay away from the ponds.


He had two dogs on leash stepped out the door, coyote pack attacked. he fought them. They ate hisq dog. End of story. Folks please...read, google, educate yourself. Look at the viseos I posted.
Open your eyes and watch the one with a coyote eatong a fluffy white cat in front of a house with cars in the background.
Fluffy white dead cat, with his guts torn out.
Head in the sand?


Quote dog owner:

"It doesn't surprise me that there's coyotes out there (in a residential area)," Hill said. "They're in all 67 counties in Florida. I can hear them at my house. But it's pretty bold when they take a dog right off the leash like that. It's happened before, but it's rare."

If this does not take you to the Star Banner, click Satr Banner and it will.

Ocala resident: Coyotes attack just feet from front door, snatching small dog | Ocala.com (http://www.ocala.com/article/20130814/ARTICLES/130819853?p=2&tc=pg)

[kittygilchrist]

But again....sounds like no leash!

When I walk....I've stopped going in the really dark times. My dog is on a short leash. I carry a flashlight, a phone and a long billy club.

Also, unless it's middle of the day, I stay away from the ponds.


Are you safe in the daytime?
The coyote I saw 2-3 days ago was charging through the neighborhood at 11:30 a.m.
Most of the many videos of attacks I have posted were obviously filmed in broad daylight.

[Barefoot]

Post # 33
Ocala resident: Coyotes attack just feet from front door, snatching small dog | Ocala.com (http://www.ocala.com/article/20130814/ARTICLES/130819853?p=3&tc=pg)


Coyotes Attack Man and His 2 Small Dogs in Ocala | NBC 6 South Florida (http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/Coyotes-Attack-Man-and-His-2-Small-Dogs-in-Ocala--219911851.html)


Post # 56
Ocala resident: Coyotes attack just feet from front door, snatching small dog | Ocala.com (http://www.ocala.com/article/20130814/ARTICLES/130819853?p=2&tc=pg)

I haven't read the attachments so I'm not sure if these are the same attack or three separate incidents.
There are always people who think that any potential predator should be destroyed.
Even if 50 coyotes are trapped and killed, the one smart aggressive coyote could still be on the hunt.

[Chi-Town]

I haven't read the attachments so I'm not sure if these are the same attack or three separate incidents.
There are always people who think that any potential predator should be destroyed.
Even if 50 coyotes are trapped and killed, the one smart aggressive coyote could still be on the hunt.
Two of the posts are the same from 2 years ago. One post shows the coyote with snow on its face (of course, Ocala is north of here[emoji6] ). Fear mongering perhaps.

[gerryann]

Just be careful with your pets.

We don't need the blood and guts stories.

[njbchbum]

Two of the posts are the same from 2 years ago. One post shows the coyote with snow on its face (of course, Ocala is north of here[emoji6] ). Fear mongering perhaps.

Absolutely fear mongering! Posters should confine discussion to coyote incidents in TV. What has been posted so far is nothing like the alarmist videos Kitty has provided.

[Hopeful2]

It is extremely disturbing that a very real threat exists to pets (on a leash) as well as to small children - and yet numerous posts are dismissive of Kitty's attempts to bring increased awareness of needed intervention. It is not fear mongering when coyotes snarl at adults walking down residential streets in The Villages, when coyotes go right up to the front door of homes in The Villages, or when they snatch a beloved pet away. I believe that those who espouse the "leave the coyotes alone" position, would quickly change their mind if a loved one was hurt, mauled ... or worse.

[kittygilchrist]

Absolutely fear mongering! Posters should confine discussion to coyote incidents in TV. What has been posted so far is nothing like the alarmist videos Kitty has provided.

Why should posters confine discussion to The Villages? I simply do not understand the refusal to admit what professionals with FWC are telling us, as in this video.
Dog snatched by urban coyote, Lakeland, fl..july 15, 2015.

FWC Urges Public to Stay Away from Urban Coyotes | SNN TV (http://www.snntv.com/2015/07/20/ffc-urges-public-to-stay-away-from-urban-coyotes/)

Do you want to know what we are dealing with or do you want to control what I post and ignore the truth? Look at this video, 2 months ago, one hour from The Villages , by the FWC, Fish and Wildlife Commission. if you continue as you have been doing, I wil be accused of bad motive, error of research, mistake that it was too long ago, or God forbid it was posted twice.

From the article...note this "awareness is the key"...
Gary Morse, with Florida Fish and Wildlife’s regional Lakeland office, says after Aaddie, a small Chihuahua, was taken by a coyote last week as the owner was in the front yard with the dog, it proves urban coyotes are becoming less afraid of humans, and we need to take away their food source. Morse advises residents across the state to not let coyotes or other wild animals threaten you. Instead, use a form of acceptable hazing. Morse says this problem is nationwide and says awareness is key to managing coyotes and other wildlife who are becoming more urbanized. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

[kittygilchrist]

I haven't read the attachments so I'm not sure if these are the same attack or three separate incidents.
There are always people who think that any potential predator should be destroyed.
Even if 50 coyotes are trapped and killed, the one smart aggressive coyote could still be on the hunt.

Appears to be two source for one story. I reposted source As correction for someone who posted that the dog was off leash.

[zonerboy]

Don't be telling about coyote behavior in California and trying to scare people here in The Villages. California is suffering from a severe drought and has been for a number of years. There is not much water to be found in non populated areas where normally coyotes hang out. Because of this the numbers of small mammals which constitute natural prey have severely declined. And so coyotes are becoming more common in populated residential areas where they can find both water and prey (including small pets). This is not the same situation as in Florida.
In addition, coyotes are generally quite timid around humans. I have encountered them many times and they are easily scared off....although they become more bold when they are in packs. In the rare cases where they have attacked when humans were present, you can be sure they were going after the pet, not the human.

[MDLNB]

I was riding my bike last evening in the neighborhood and chanced upon one of my neighbors walking his dog. He told me of one of our neighbors on the golf court side, that was out in her backyard with her dog (on leash) when she noticed a coyote at the fence watching them. He also mentioned the dog in the neighboring area that was snatched by the coyote. He works at the golf course so he sees coyotes frequently.

You can dismiss them if you wish. Some of us are just having a conversation about possible sightings and options available. I don't think we are going to get rid of the coyotes any more than I think we will get rid of the 'gators. Articles about coyote related incidents, even from other areas, are useful in how you approach a possible confrontation, or how to avoid an incident with wildlife. Criticizing another for trying to be helpful because you think you know it all, is probably not being helpful.

Like I said before, I have had personal experience with some coyotes in the past and you really shouldn't be so dismissive of their presence. Respect them, or even fear them if it works for you. These animals must be hungry if they are venturing so close to humans during the day. And yes, they will attack you. But, if you have a small morsel of meat on a string with you, they will probably go for it rather than you. And you know what I mean by meat on a string; Fluffy. I don't think that avoiding ponds and lakes is going to matter that much, but being aware of your surroundings could make a difference. Hey, I had a neighbor that almost lost his dog to a hawk, while he was walking the little fella on a lease in our neighborhood. If you have little members of your family (pets) it is your responsibility to watch out for them. I don't know about you, but I am willing to do whatever is necessary to protect my family, and that includes the little members.

[MDLNB]

It is extremely disturbing that a very real threat exists to pets (on a leash) as well as to small children - and yet numerous posts are dismissive of Kitty's attempts to bring increased awareness of needed intervention. It is not fear mongering when coyotes snarl at adults walking down residential streets in The Villages, when coyotes go right up to the front door of homes in The Villages, or when they snatch a beloved pet away. I believe that those who espouse the "leave the coyotes alone" position, would quickly change their mind if a loved one was hurt, mauled ... or worse.

:agree: :thumbup:

[MDLNB]

Don't be telling about coyote behavior in California and trying to scare people here in The Villages. California is suffering from a severe drought and has been for a number of years. There is not much water to be found in non populated areas where normally coyotes hang out. Because of this the numbers of small mammals which constitute natural prey have severely declined. And so coyotes are becoming more common in populated residential areas where they can find both water and prey (including small pets). This is not the same situation as in Florida.
In addition, coyotes are generally quite timid around humans. I have encountered them many times and they are easily scared off....although they become more bold when they are in packs. In the rare cases where they have attacked when humans were present, you can be sure they were going after the pet, not the human.

True, but they are getting bolder now that they are hungry. And my wife didn't have a pet with her when one(only one) came out of the woods and attempted to threaten her, until I chased it away. And even then, it was reluctant to leave, barking at me too. So, each incident will be different. It's not good to expect a wild animal to act a specific way. What you say is true. But, I wouldn't ignore the possibility that a hungry animal or sick animal won't attack you. It's better to be prepared.

[kittygilchrist]

This link is a City Management Plan for Coyotes
For those of who would like to be less ignorant and are willing to admit we do not know what to do, and can open their minds to the humility of recognizing that a location, even as far as California, may have prepared an actual plan that is better than not having a clue.

Http://www.projectcoyote.org/CalabasasMgmtPlan.pdf

This is a chart excerpted. Could not retain format.
For those with coyotes present, you may find the idea of developing a hazing team of value.
To those who want to leave them be, you are aiding the comfort of the coyotes, and it is a mistake.


Appendix B
Coyote behavior, behavior classification and recommended response

Coyote Action
Classification

Response

Coyote heard
Observation

Distribute educational materials and info on normal coyote behavior

Coyote seen moving in area
Sighting
Distribute education materials and info on normal coyote behavior

Coyote seen resting in area
Sighting

If area frequented, educate people on normal behavior, haze to encourage animal to leave

Coyote following or approaching a person & pet
Sighting Encounter
Educate on potential hazing techniques, what to do tips and pet management

Coyote following or approaching a person w/o pet
Encounter

Educate on potential hazing techniques, what to do tips and pet management

Coyote entering a yard without pets
Sighting

Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, hazing info

Coyote entering a yard with pets
Encounter

Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, hazing info, pet management

Coyote entering yard and injuring or killing pet
Incident
Develop hazing team in area, gather info on specific animals involved, report on circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard and neighborhood audits, pet management

Coyote entering yard with people & pets, no injury occurring
Encounter

Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing, pet management

Coyote biting or injuring pet on leash
Incident

Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing, pet management

Coyote aggressive, showing teeth, back fur raised, lunging, nipping w/o contact
Incident

Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing, pet management.

Coyote biting or injuring person
Attack
Identify and gather information on specific animal involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing, and pet management,. If a human is attacked and physically injured by a coyote, City staff will inform the California Department of Fish and Game.

[MDLNB]

This link is a City Management Plan for Coyotes
For those of who would like to be less ignorant and are willing to admit we do not know what to do, and can open their minds to the humility of recognizing that a location, even as far as California, may have prepared an actual plan that is better than not having a clue.

Http://www.projectcoyote.org/CalabasasMgmtPlan.pdf

This is a chart excerpted. Could not retain format.
For those with coyotes present, you may find the idea of developing a hazing team of value.
To those who want to leave them be, you are aiding the comfort of the coyotes, and it is a mistake.


Appendix B
Coyote behavior, behavior classification and recommended response

Coyote Action
Classification

Response

Coyote heard
Observation

Distribute educational materials and info on normal coyote behavior

Coyote seen moving in area
Sighting
Distribute education materials and info on normal coyote behavior

Coyote seen resting in area
Sighting

If area frequented, educate people on normal behavior, haze to encourage animal to leave

Coyote following or approaching a person & pet
Sighting Encounter
Educate on potential hazing techniques, what to do tips and pet management

Coyote following or approaching a person w/o pet
Encounter

Educate on potential hazing techniques, what to do tips and pet management

Coyote entering a yard without pets
Sighting

Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, hazing info

Coyote entering a yard with pets
Encounter

Educate on coyote attractants, yard audit, hazing info, pet management

Coyote entering yard and injuring or killing pet
Incident
Develop hazing team in area, gather info on specific animals involved, report on circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard and neighborhood audits, pet management

Coyote entering yard with people & pets, no injury occurring
Encounter

Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/neighborhood audits, hazing, pet management

Coyote biting or injuring pet on leash
Incident

Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing, pet management

Coyote aggressive, showing teeth, back fur raised, lunging, nipping w/o contact
Incident

Gather info on specific animals involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing, pet management.

Coyote biting or injuring person
Attack
Identify and gather information on specific animal involved, report circumstances, educate on coyote attractants, yard/ neighborhood audits, hazing, and pet management,. If a human is attacked and physically injured by a coyote, City staff will inform the California Department of Fish and Game.

:thumbup:

[Taltarzac725]

Kittygilchrist. Thanks for all your hard work and education about the danger of coyote attacks in the Villages and prevention of further such tragedies. Wasp spray sounds like the most common sense approach to coyote deterrence. Deterring Wildlife | (http://www.nelsonroadvet.com/articles/general/deterring-wildlife/) Paint ball guns also sound like a good non-lethal idea of scaring off coyotes.

I will probably just continue carrying my whistle and four or so golf balls. This was a hazing technique I found while researching how other communities are dealing with coyotes.

All the current displacement of wildlife by the continuing expansion of the Villages does create a situation like California's drought especially south of 466A.

Your coyote incident thread is also a great idea.

My now 24 year old 224 613 Project has been about getting information for survivors/victims of crimes linked from as many different libraries as possible. It all about education and prevention in other words. I will bet that there are librarians stepping up as well about informing their communities about how to deal with wayward wildlife.

I did find a book which might be of interest in this debate. Coyote at the Kitchen Door (http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674060180) I have not read it though. ROROTOKO : Stephen DeStefano On his book Coyote at the Kitchen Door: Living with Wildlife in Suburbia : Cutting-Edge Intellectual Interviews (http://rorotoko.com/interview/20100205_stephen_destefano_on_coyote_kitchen_door_ wildlife_suburbia/) https://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/books/book-of-the-week-coyote-at-the-kitchen-door/410845.article

[Sandtrap328]

Don't be telling about coyote behavior in California and trying to scare people here in The Villages. California is suffering from a severe drought and has been for a number of years. There is not much water to be found in non populated areas where normally coyotes hang out. Because of this the numbers of small mammals which constitute natural prey have severely declined. And so coyotes are becoming more common in populated residential areas where they can find both water and prey (including small pets). This is not the same situation as in Florida.
In addition, coyotes are generally quite timid around humans. I have encountered them many times and they are easily scared off....although they become more bold when they are in packs. In the rare cases where they have attacked when humans were present, you can be sure they were going after the pet, not the human.

Absolutely right. This is not California.

We all know there are coyotes around but there is no need for general alarm and panic by anyone.

ONE unfortunate dog got snatched. Out in the yard inleashed after midnight.

Use common sense and you have no worries from coyotes.

[Polar Bear]

...Use common sense and you have no worries from coyotes.

Pretty well sums it up.

[Chi-Town]

On a lighter side Wile E. Coyote turns 66 on September 17.

54648

[Taltarzac725]

Absolutely right. This is not California.

We all know there are coyotes around but there is no need for general alarm and panic by anyone.

ONE unfortunate dog got snatched. Out in the yard inleashed after midnight.

Use common sense and you have no worries from coyotes.

You are still ignoring the cat snatchings off their lanais. Many victims do not report crimes against them to the police and especially to the press. These aren't crimes per se, but are tragedies.

[kittygilchrist]

Absolutely right. This is not California.

We all know there are coyotes around but there is no need for general alarm and panic by anyone.

ONE unfortunate dog got snatched. Out in the yard inleashed after midnight.

Use common sense and you have no worries from coyotes.

2015 Florida:

St Pete
Coyote attacks, wounds two German Shepherds
Coyote fights dogs in Pinellas back yard (http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/04/22/dog-injured-from-coyote/26198427/)

Melbourne
Coyote eats Fluff, the cat.

Http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2015/8/13/coyote_attacking_sma.html

what WAS common sense is no longer sensible at all, and those who say so, are you educating yourself on this subject or relying on what used to be true?

[MDLNB]

Absolutely right. This is not California.

We all know there are coyotes around but there is no need for general alarm and panic by anyone.

ONE unfortunate dog got snatched. Out in the yard inleashed after midnight.

Use common sense and you have no worries from coyotes.

It's not California, so I guess coyotes have different manners in Florida :a20:

I wonder if anyone would complain if there were feral dogs observed in several areas of the villages. They can also attack small animals and humans. Same idea, I believe.

You (whomever) can gaff it off if you wish. Personally, I won't disparage others for wanting more information and for wanting to be prepared for an incident.

[MDLNB]

2015 Florida:

St Pete
Coyote attacks, wounds two German Shepherds
Coyote fights dogs in Pinellas back yard (http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/04/22/dog-injured-from-coyote/26198427/)

Melbourne
Coyote eats Fluff, the cat.

Http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2015/8/13/coyote_attacking_sma.html

what WAS common sense is no longer sensible at all, and those who say so, are you educating yourself on this subject or relying on what used to be true?

:agree:

[Wandatime]

Here is what you can do if, heaven forbid, you do actually encounter a coyote:

What To Do If You See A Coyote | CoyoteSmart (http://www.coyotesmarts.org/what-to-do/)

In this article is a link to "easy pickins" which describes why coyotes may be coming into residential areas -- food left out for homeless or feral cats, food left out for pets, fruit on ground from trees, etc.

[Taltarzac725]

Here is what you can do if, heaven forbid, you do actually encounter a coyote:

What To Do If You See A Coyote | CoyoteSmart (http://www.coyotesmarts.org/what-to-do/)

In this article is a link to "easy pickins" which describes why coyotes may be coming into residential areas -- food left out for homeless or feral cats, food left out for pets, fruit on ground from trees, etc.

This is also a good article. Coyotes and People: What to Know If You See or Encounter a Coyote : The Humane Society of the United States (http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/coyotes/tips/coyotes_people.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/)

I am still going to carry the golf balls at night in case a coyote gets too close. I will have to remember to take into account what direction the golf ball is travelling though. The whistle, screaming, and picking the dog up in my arms would come before throwing a golf ball though.

[MDLNB]

This is also a good article. Coyotes and People: What to Know If You See or Encounter a Coyote : The Humane Society of the United States (http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/coyotes/tips/coyotes_people.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/)

I am still going to carry the golf balls at night in case a coyote gets too close. I will have to remember to take into account what direction the golf ball is travelling though. The whistle, screaming, and picking the dog up in my arms would come before throwing a golf ball though.

I would worry more about protecting yourself, rather than where the balls might go. The golf balls idea is pretty good and a lot neater than carrying a pocket full of stones, in my opinion. Besides, the only time you would find it necessary to use the golf balls is if you felt threatened by a coyote, and then it would be pretty close and probably an easy target.

[MDLNB]

On a lighter side Wile E. Coyote turns 66 on September 17.

54648

:coolsmiley:

[njbchbum]

From the article...note this "awareness is the key"...
Gary Morse, with Florida Fish and Wildlife�s regional Lakeland office, says after Aaddie, a small Chihuahua, was taken by a coyote last week as the owner was in the front yard with the dog, it proves urban coyotes are becoming less afraid of humans, and we need to take away their food source. Morse advises residents across the state to not let coyotes or other wild animals threaten you. Instead, use a form of acceptable hazing. Morse says this problem is nationwide and says awareness is key to managing coyotes and other wildlife who are becoming more urbanized. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Why stick to TV - because that is where we live and where this one unleashed pup was snatched from its lawn.

As the article states "awareness" - not fear mongering'

"acceptable hazing" - not trapping and killing.

Please spend as many posts telling people to not put their garbage out until the day of pick-up, to not put out tins of tuna hoping to lure their lost cat back home, to not put out foor for feral animals and similar common sense things to do and not do. I fear your posts are even upsetting people who do not walk pets but just walk for personal exercise and pleasure!

After all - the coyote you saw the other day ran AWAY FROM you and NOT TOWARD.

[Kazmi]

...what WAS common sense is no longer sensible at all, and those who say so, are you educating yourself on this subject or relying on what used to be true?

:agree: Also need to consider that the average liter size is 5-7 pups.

Coyote are now in all states except HI. There has been numerous coyote sightings and a few confrontations here in my current neck of suburbia of Michigan but we also have an abundance of deer, rabbit, geese, snakes, etc. to keep them fed. I have noticed though in the past year or two that the number of rabbits feasting on my garden has decreased significantly but we also have plenty of hawks and fox that could be contributing to the decrease. Our small dog is never off leash and does not even go on our deck by himself (I've had to take him in because a hawk was directly overhead us).

Everyone needs to educate themselves because the coyote are not going to pack up and leave. Where there's food they will stay. In urban settings they do consider your pets a food source. It will not remain 'just one dog' forever.

[Taltarzac725]

:agree: Also need to consider that the average liter size is 5-7 pups.

Coyote are now in all states except HI. There has been numerous coyote sightings and a few confrontations here in my current neck of suburbia of Michigan but we also have an abundance of deer, rabbit, geese, snakes, etc. to keep them fed. I have noticed though in the past year or two that the number of rabbits feasting on my garden has decreased significantly but we also have plenty of hawks and fox that could be contributing to the decrease. Our small dog is never off leash and does not even go on our deck by himself (I've had to take him in because a hawk was directly overhead us).

Everyone needs to educate themselves because the coyote are not going to pack up and leave. Where there's food they will stay. In urban settings they do consider your pets a food source. It will not remain 'just one dog' forever.

It is probably at least two cats and one dog. I do not believe everyone reports these to the police and press. I am not sure I would if that happened to our pet Beau. I would warn people via word of mouth and on TOTV but would probably not get the police nor the press involved.

Beau got out when I was in Washington DC for a week or so in May 2015. The back door was left open for a little bit. My parents called the Villages' radio station. He came back after 45 minutes probably looking for me.

I would not want to relive the loss of Beau though by going to the press and would probably want to keep it private so that people would not be talking to me about it whenever. Having some control over when a tragedy comes up in conversation is one pro for keeping things private.

[MDLNB]

Why stick to TV - because that is where we live and where this one unleashed pup was snatched from its lawn.

As the article states "awareness" - not fear mongering'

"acceptable hazing" - not trapping and killing.

Please spend as many posts telling people to not put their garbage out until the day of pick-up, to not put out tins of tuna hoping to lure their lost cat back home, to not put out foor for feral animals and similar common sense things to do and not do. I fear your posts are even upsetting people who do not walk pets but just walk for personal exercise and pleasure!

After all - the coyote you saw the other day ran AWAY FROM you and NOT TOWARD.

I love all animals, wild or domesticated. However, in my opinion you can "haze" them all you want, but when that same coyote comes after my wife, my grandchildren or myself, I will put it down so it won't harm others. You can chase it away from you, and it might go after someone else. That's your option. Ignoring something doesn't make it go away. If they don't trap them and remove them, then they can hardly fault someone for protecting themselves when attacked. Want to take a chance on a nasty bite? Want to undergo rabie shots? I have. If a coyote can take down an adult deer, do you think that you would be too large for it to consider if it is hungry? Not trying to scare anyone, but if you want to gaff off a dangerous nuisance, that's up to you. I doubt I will see a coyote, let alone be accosted by one here, but at least I'll be mentally and physically prepared if needed. Many will wait until their neighbors are injured before taking it seriously. That's their prerogative. It always happens to others, not me....right?

[keithwand]

Landscapers last week notified our neighbors on Bonifay Path about a coyote walking between the houses then ran across the golf course.
I have 2 small dogs so this does concern me.
I don't really care who was here first. My dogs are family and I will do what it takes to protect them.

[MDLNB]

Landscapers last week notified our neighbors on Bonifay Path about a coyote walking between the houses then ran across the golf course.
I have 2 small dogs so this does concern me.
I don't really care who was here first. My dogs are family and I will do what it takes to protect them.

:agree:

[njbchbum]

I love all animals, wild or domesticated. However, in my opinion you can "haze" them all you want, but when that same coyote comes after my wife, my grandchildren or myself, I will put it down so it won't harm others. You can chase it away from you, and it might go after someone else. That's your option. Ignoring something doesn't make it go away. If they don't trap them and remove them, then they can hardly fault someone for protecting themselves when attacked. Want to take a chance on a nasty bite? Want to undergo rabie shots? I have. If a coyote can take down an adult deer, do you think that you would be too large for it to consider if it is hungry? Not trying to scare anyone, but if you want to gaff off a dangerous nuisance, that's up to you. I doubt I will see a coyote, let alone be accosted by one here, but at least I'll be mentally and physically prepared if needed. Many will wait until their neighbors are injured before taking it seriously. That's their prerogative. It always happens to others, not me....right?

Oh, MDLNB! In my life I live exposed to the possibility and the potential of property/personal incursions from, deer, bear, moose, gators, possum, squirrels, groundhog, fox, wild turkey, hawks - so the last thing I am is NOT aware of wildlife and do not ignore same. In fact, because of my awareness I take every possible means to avoid it...and that is perhaps why I have not incurred their bite and rabies shots. So you see, I don't 'gaff off' any potential for danger from a nuisance. Nor have I ever suggested that anyone do that - but - have promoted awareness without fear mongering.

[zonerboy]

Quite sure there have been coyotes in the villages, particularly in the undeveloped or yet to be developed parts. We just didn't see them because they were wandering about in their natural habitat where there was plenty of prey. So when you take a area like that surrounding Lake Deaton, dig up all the naturally occurring trees and brush, bulldoze it into large piles and set them on fire in order to level the land for building new houses, then you are going to have displaced coyotes wandering about in the open looking for something to eat. I guess they have not been too successful if they consider pets to be a primary food source.....one small dog and possibly a couple of cats on lanais. The cats could just have easily been snatched by a larger sized stray dog, in my opinion. So I believe eventually they will move on to surrounding area which are less inhabited and where they will find abundant shelter and prey.
Relax. The sky is not falling.

[MDLNB]

Oh, MDLNB! In my life I live exposed to the possibility and the potential of property/personal incursions from, deer, bear, moose, gators, possum, squirrels, groundhog, fox, wild turkey, hawks - so the last thing I am is NOT aware of wildlife and do not ignore same. In fact, because of my awareness I take every possible means to avoid it...and that is perhaps why I have not incurred their bite and rabies shots. So you see, I don't 'gaff off' any potential for danger from a nuisance. Nor have I ever suggested that anyone do that - but - have promoted awareness without fear mongering.

Hope my dissertation did not sound like "fear mongering". I did go through rabie shots, the old series. Of course, mine weren't from being bit by a coyote. My bite was from a big rat in Vietnam, that bit me while I was sleeping near a village. He did get away, so I had to have the shots. Not a fun thing. I'm sure that if I would have had a small pet with me, it would have carried it away for consumption at a later date. It certainly was big enough.

Remember when you suggest harassing a hungry animal, that some of our seniors are a bit fragile and not able to gamely skip away if that same animal doesn't play along. But, I do go along with the idea of shouting, using a stick, stones or golf balls, whistles and spray. Of course, that still leaves the problem unresolved. I think it would be different if these were small and hardly dangerous rodents or birds. But, like I said before, I doubt I will be accosted by any coyotes. And like I also said, if so and they threaten my family, I will treat them the same as I would any thug doing the same thing, put it down.

[MDLNB]

Quite sure there have been coyotes in the villages, particularly in the undeveloped or yet to be developed parts. We just didn't see them because they were wandering about in their natural habitat where there was plenty of prey. So when you take a area like that surrounding Lake Deaton, dig up all the naturally occurring trees and brush, bulldoze it into large piles and set them on fire in order to level the land for building new houses, then you are going to have displaced coyotes wandering about in the open looking for something to eat. I guess they have not been too successful if they consider pets to be a primary food source.....one small dog and possibly a couple of cats on lanais. The cats could just have easily been snatched by a larger sized stray dog, in my opinion. So I believe eventually they will move on to surrounding area which are less inhabited and where they will find abundant shelter and prey.
Relax. The sky is not falling.

I doubt it. They usually will stay where the food source is. And where there's people, there's food sources. They are being seen in big cities now. But, ignore them if you wish. I do.....at least until they threaten me or mine.

[kittygilchrist]

KOh, MDLNB! In my life I live exposed to the possibility and the potential of property/personal incursions from, deer, bear, moose, gators, possum, squirrels, groundhog, fox, wild turkey, hawks - so the last thing I am is NOT aware of wildlife and do not ignore same. In fact, because of my awareness I take every possible means to avoid it...and that is perhaps why I have not incurred their bite and rabies shots. So you see, I don't 'gaff off' any potential for danger from a nuisance. Nor have I ever suggested that anyone do that - but - have promoted awareness without fear mongering.

Regarding the posture of awareness to wildlife claimed above:

This by the way is from me alone. i am not citing or quoting resources.

One who has the awareness of a rural Floridian to local wildlife would never say, as did the claimant, dismissing concerns about coyotes, on 9/3 in the thread "coyotes" :
"Grunewald, who moved to The Villages eight years ago from Oconomowoc, Wis., also has seen baby pigs out on the golf course."

One who knows whereof he speaks regarding "pigs" would instead say urgently, "Those are not domestic pigs! They are wild hogs. The parents are huge and extremely dangerous when provoked or when the offspring are threatened! Please do not go outside or take pets out until you have help getting trappers!"

Edited..in future I will try to pm people who malign my motives using pejorative labels and spare readers the grunge.


__________________

[Barefoot]

We all know there are coyotes around but there is no need for general alarm and panic by anyone. ONE unfortunate dog got snatched. Out in the yard unnleashed after midnight. Use common sense and you have no worries from coyotes.

Why stick to TV - because that is where we live and where this one unleashed pup was snatched from its lawn.
As the article states "awareness" - not fear mongering'
"acceptable hazing" - not trapping and killing.
Please spend as many posts telling people to not put their garbage out until the day of pick-up, to not put out tins of tuna hoping to lure their lost cat back home, to not put out foor for feral animals and similar common sense things to do and not do. I fear your posts are even upsetting people who do not walk pets but just walk for personal exercise and pleasure! After all - the coyote you saw the other day ran AWAY FROM you and NOT TOWARD.

.... So you see, I don't 'gaff off' any potential for danger from a nuisance. Nor have I ever suggested that anyone do that - but - have promoted awareness without fear mongering.

.....one small dog and possibly a couple of cats on lanais. The cats could just have easily been snatched by a larger sized stray dog, in my opinion. So I believe eventually they will move on to surrounding area which are less inhabited and where they will find abundant shelter and prey. Relax. The sky is not falling.

Good advice.

[CFrance]

This is starting to remind me of the Ebola thread.

We must live with alligators, wild boar, poisonous snakes, bears, poisonous frogs, stinging wasps, coyotes, and deadly peanut allergies, among others. We can't kill them all. We need to take precautions to keep ourselves and our pets safe and not fly off the handle. Just my opinion.

I'm sorry I can't walk my dog at 9 pm anymore, but oh, well.

[MDLNB]

K

Regarding the posture of awareness to wildlife claimed above:

This by the way is from me alone. i am not citing or quoting resources.

One who has the awareness of a rural Floridian to local wildlife would never say, as did the claimant, dismissing concerns about coyotes, on 9/3 in the thread "coyotes" :
"Grunewald, who moved to The Villages eight years ago from Oconomowoc, Wis., also has seen baby pigs out on the golf course."

One who knows whereof he speaks regarding "pigs" would instead say urgently, "Those are not domestic pigs! They are wild hogs. The parents are huge and extremely dangerous when provoked or when the offspring are threatened! Please do not go outside or take pets out until you have help getting trappers!"

I will address one by one, other posts in which I am called a "fear mongerer."


__________________


I wouldn't worry too much about those that claim we are fear mongering. Many folks are oblivious to surrounding circumstances until they are directly involved. These folks will purchase insurance, not because they expect something to happen, but IN CASE something happens to them. Being prepared is not fear mongering.

Fact: there are wild animals in The Villages
Fact: they have attacked small animals
Fact: the same type of wildlife have attacked humans in other areas

That's not fear mongering. Those are facts. Take it as you all wish. I do not fear the coyotes or alligators, or wild hogs. But, I do fear for those that are less able to defend themselves. I've given my two cents, and if that information or advice is deemed "fear mongering" then.....no, I don't apologize. Nope, the sky is not falling, but if no one is going to trap and remove the threat, then being prepared is not being paranoid. It's being smart.

[njbchbum]

snipped
Remember when you suggest harassing a hungry animal...snipped

Can you tell me where I suggested "harassing a hungry animal?"

Thanks

[gerryann]

I appreciate the concern. I appreciate the cautions. I will take all precautions when out walking my pup, and I will not walk after dark anymore. But....please, please don't trap and remove. They have the right to be here.

[loonlovers]

Please folks, enough! I stated my opinion earlier in the thread and followed up with VCCD my objection to trapping and destroying coyotes in the Preserve areas. And, I still feel strongly that this is a very bad precedent for The Villages VCCD to be establishing in a preservation area. Apparently, cooler heads prevailed and the decision to trap the coyotes has been discontinued.

If any animal poses a direct threat to a neighborhood, be a coyote, bear or even aggressive dog, then action needs to be taken. Many people living in The Villages have never seen a coyote, or alligator, or even a snake in their neighborhood. But, they are around. Most of these animals go along with no threat to anyone. Once the coyotes are eliminated, are we then asking for all alligators to be caught and destroyed because one nearly snatched a dog that had been off lead and allowed to run by a retention pond. Of course not! Not any more than we ask for a breed of dog to be destroyed because some are considered "aggressive."

Kittygilchrist, you are right...we are not all Native Floridians. Some of us came from states that saw an abundance of wildlife around us. We are not ignorant of the need to be cautious of our environment. I had a small bear walk across my yard while I was gardening...he was as eager to be away from me and I from him! Did I ask my neighbor to shoot him? Of course not. He went along his way and I'm sure was happy to get back to the woods.

Please let's stop reporting on attacks that happened in other states. This does nothing but incite fear in individuals who haven't had any wildlife experience. Be observant, walk your pets on lead, and if walking at night take a noise maker.

And finally, remember we live in a beautiful community...this is not the "wild kingdom."

[MoeVonB61]

Its a sad day since the Developers have chosen to clear all the land and build, build, build....the wildlife was here before the homes...their territory is eroding.....PRESERVE means preserve..what happened to being responsible pet owners and following the leash law??

[Sandtrap328]

Please folks, enough! I stated my opinion earlier in the thread and followed up with VCCD my objection to trapping and destroying coyotes in the Preserve areas. And, I still feel strongly that this is a very bad precedent for The Villages VCCD to be establishing in a preservation area. Apparently, cooler heads prevailed and the decision to trap the coyotes has been discontinued.

If any animal poses a direct threat to a neighborhood, be a coyote, bear or even aggressive dog, then action needs to be taken. Many people living in The Villages have never seen a coyote, or alligator, or even a snake in their neighborhood. But, they are around. Most of these animals go along with no threat to anyone. Once the coyotes are eliminated, are we then asking for all alligators to be caught and destroyed because one nearly snatched a dog that had been off lead and allowed to run by a retention pond. Of course not! Not any more than we ask for a breed of dog to be destroyed because some are considered "aggressive."

Kittygilchrist, you are right...we are not all Native Floridians. Some of us came from states that saw an abundance of wildlife around us. We are not ignorant of the need to be cautious of our environment. I had a small bear walk across my yard while I was gardening...he was as eager to be away from me and I from him! Did I ask my neighbor to shoot him? Of course not. He went along his way and I'm sure was happy to get back to the woods.

Please let's stop reporting on attacks that happened in other states. This does nothing but incite fear in individuals who haven't had any wildlife experience. Be observant, walk your pets on lead, and if walking at night take a noise maker.

And finally, remember we live in a beautiful community...this is not the "wild kingdom."

Excellent posting! Thanks or your concern on the wildlife.

[Barefoot]

Please folks, enough! I stated my opinion earlier in the thread and followed up with VCCD my objection to trapping and destroying coyotes in the Preserve areas. And, I still feel strongly that this is a very bad precedent for The Villages VCCD to be establishing in a preservation area. Apparently, cooler heads prevailed and the decision to trap the coyotes has been discontinued.

If any animal poses a direct threat to a neighborhood, be a coyote, bear or even aggressive dog, then action needs to be taken. Many people living in The Villages have never seen a coyote, or alligator, or even a snake in their neighborhood. But, they are around. Most of these animals go along with no threat to anyone. Once the coyotes are eliminated, are we then asking for all alligators to be caught and destroyed because one nearly snatched a dog that had been off lead and allowed to run by a retention pond. Of course not! Not any more than we ask for a breed of dog to be destroyed because some are considered "aggressive."

Kittygilchrist, you are right...we are not all Native Floridians. Some of us came from states that saw an abundance of wildlife around us. We are not ignorant of the need to be cautious of our environment. I had a small bear walk across my yard while I was gardening...he was as eager to be away from me and I from him! Did I ask my neighbor to shoot him? Of course not. He went along his way and I'm sure was happy to get back to the woods.

Please let's stop reporting on attacks that happened in other states. This does nothing but incite fear in individuals who haven't had any wildlife experience. Be observant, walk your pets on lead, and if walking at night take a noise maker.

And finally, remember we live in a beautiful community...this is not the "wild kingdom."

:thumbup:

[kittygilchrist]

That is a very nice, articulate post, Loonlovers, thank you.
I do not agree with you about all, but i appreciate your gentle manner.
It may be that the cooler heads were thinking about liability suits, I do not know, but so I was told by an insurance adjuster.
At any rate, I did not know much about urban coyote encroachment before they came here, and it is knowledge learned from research alone that makes me want to raise awareness and allow readers to extrapolate from others' experiences what specific actions are effective.

That and this kitty, who may never be safe in his favorite spot again, unless I am near him and ready to do battle. Neither of us can relax and enjoy our beautiful home as we did before.

All lives matter!
Meet Raul, age 21. He is a sitting duck. Easily visible from the path taken toward the house by a coyote a few days ago.

[njbchbum]

Once the coyote population has been reduced [as some posters want to see] to where it is no longer effective in controlling the varmint population of rodents, snakes and insects, etc - how will residents enjoy an overpopulation of those critters?

[Chi-Town]

OK, enough with the coyotes. It's obvious they're here to stay and certain precautions need to be taken.
What ever happened to the bobcat posts?

54671

[gerryann]

Ya can't please all the people all the time..........

[kittygilchrist]

The :jester:Once the coyote population has been reduced [as some posters want to see] to where it is no longer effective in controlling the varmint population of rodents, snakes and insects, etc - how will residents enjoy an overpopulation of those critters?


Really?
Could you provide information how coyotes will be reduced in number? None of the research I read lends hope for such an outcome, so Iit would be great to know your plan for How The Villages can reduce population while every other urban area in the country reports rising numbers and increasing comfort of the coyotes adapting to eating trash and pets.

Second, are you in an area where there was a problem with "varmints" before the coyotes came? In two years, I have seen a few fox sguirrels, saved one harmless garter snake from chlorine in the pool, and have no insect problems, during that time there were seldom reports of of coyotes. Did you think about your attempt to scare people? Just visualize if you can, an insect, a snake, a rat, and coyote. Forced to choose, pick which one would scare you the most if it found a door ajar and surprised you on the lanai.

Third, you do not have a pet. I commend you for being so dedicated to your perspective. What are you doing differently than before the coyotes? Or what is your plan of action should you have an encounter?

Fourth, About the food chain, The Villages has taken land from some animals and given haven to water fowl. If we become a refuge for coyotes our birds are possibly the best meal. Beloved, slow, stupid sandhills are easy prey.

If ignorance were bliss, I would envy you.

Kitty, whom you label a fear monger.

[MDLNB]

Could you provide information how coyotes will be reduced in number? None of the research I read lends hope for such an outcome, so Iit would be great to know your plan for How The Villages can reduce population while every other urban area in the country reports rising numbers and increasing comfort of the coyotes adapting to eating trash and pets.

Second, are you in an area where there was a problem with "varmints" before the coyotes came? In two years, I have not seen a rodent, saw one snake and have no insect problems and there were seldom reports of coyotes.

Third, you do not have a pet. I commend for being so dedicated to your perspective. What are you doing differently than before the coyotes? Or what is your plan of action should you have an encounter?

You are shouting at deaf ears. It will be interesting to see how many differing views appear on here after then next animal attack, and the next. Because it will happen. It always does. Been there and seen that. You warned them.

[kittygilchrist]

You are shouting at deaf ears. It will be interesting to see how many differing views appear on here after then next animal attack, and the next. Because it will happen. It always does. Been there and seen that. You warned them.

How much strength and courage your posts have given me--like water in a dry land. I am going back to joyous living and forget this as much as possible and fast totv until it is time for a next step.

I need grace to sit in my lanai looking at the lake and the oaks, clouds, and nuances of sunlight on the mirrored water, Entertained by moss tossing in the wind, and practice letting the beauty take me and time fade the image of the canine charging up the hill. Not meaning to be so poetic, but it really is that beautiful.

Return to your rest, oh my soul.
Peace,
Kitty

[Taltarzac725]

How much strength and courage your posts have given me--like water in a dry land. I am going back to joyous living and forget this as much as possible and fast totv until it is time for a next step.

I need grace to sit in my lanai looking at the lake and the oaks, clouds, and nuances of sunlight on the mirrored water, Entertained by moss tossing in the wind, and practice letting the beauty take me and time fade the image of the canine charging up the hill. Not meaning to be so poetic, but it really is that beautiful.

Return to your rest, oh my soul.
Peace,
Kitty

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

Sorry all this has you down, kittygilchrist.

From the linked article it looks like it is the "under 55" coyotes so to speak who have been roaming out of their pack's territory. I do think this will continue to be a problem in those neighborhoods with ongoing development here in the Villages. I never saw a coyote in Palm Harbor, FL the nine years we were there. Lots of deer, alligators, armadillos, and other wildlife but no coyotes. I have seen with my own eyes only three coyotes here in the Villages since we moved here to Lynnhaven in June 2005. Other neighbors have had their own sightings and something left a half eaten rabbit on one of my neighbor's front door welcome mat. This was only a year or a little more ago. They thought it had been a coyote. Something must have spooked it while it was eating.

[kittygilchrist]

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

Sorry all this has you down, kittygilchrist.

From the linked article it looks like it is the "under 55" coyotes so to speak who have been roaming out of their pack's territory. I do think this will continue to be a problem in those neighborhoods with ongoing development here in the Villages. I never saw a coyote in Palm Harbor, FL the nine years we were there. Lots of deer, alligators, armadillos, and other wildlife but no coyotes. I have seen with my own eyes only three coyotes here in the Villages since we moved here to Lynnhaven in June 2005. Other neighbors have had their own sightings and something left a half eaten rabbit on one of my neighbor's front door welcome mat. This was only a year or a little more ago. They thought it had been a coyote. Something must have spooked it while it was eating.

Hearts to you, Tal, fellow reasearcher, :posting:
I am far from down, I am happier than ever. This issue is urgent and balancing the work with peace of soul makes us stronger. I will be back.

Synthesis is best done in a quiet mind.

[Taltarzac725]

Hearts to you, Tal, fellow reasearcher, :posting:
I am far from down, I am happier than ever. This issue is urgent and balancing the work with peace of soul makes us stronger. I will be back.

Synthesis is best done in a quiet mind.

I have been looking at the wolf in Florida. It was almost hunted to extinction here. I have seen wolf hybrids here though but these have been people's pets. http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/mammals/red-wolf/ The red wolves in the Villages area-- if there are any-- are protected species.

[MDLNB]

My daughter-in-law showed me a video where a coyote went over a wall after a small dog. But, the video was probably in another area, so it can't happen here. Don't worry about it.

[Taltarzac725]

My daughter-in-law showed me a video where a coyote went over a wall after a small dog. But, the video was probably in another area, so it can't happen here. Don't worry about it.

Wall jumping seems unlikely here as long as there are other animals for the coyotes to hunt. Drought, fires, aggressive development do take away coyotes hunting grounds.

[MDLNB]

Its a sad day since the Developers have chosen to clear all the land and build, build, build....the wildlife was here before the homes...their territory is eroding.....PRESERVE means preserve..what happened to being responsible pet owners and following the leash law??

I know what you mean. They just keep building and building. And to think that we chased the Indians off their land. After all, they were here before us.

A leash is not necessarily going to protect your dog from a predator. One of my neighbors had a hawk attack his little dog....that was on a leash at that time.
We all love the wildlife, but sometimes it needs to be culled. We have more deer in America than we did a hundred years ago. That's why states like NC have a six deer hunting limit per year. Too many folks get hurt when their cars hit deer in the road.

Animals may have been here before us, but we are at the top of the food chain. I'm not going to move so that a scraggly old coyote can have more room to roam. By the way, we were here before the coyote. They are not indigenous to this area. They were brought in and released. If they leave me and mine alone, then I say live and let live. If they threaten me, then they get put down. I'll watch them travel over the golf course. I don't play golf so I think it is kind of funny if they leave a few land mines. :jester:

[CFrance]

I know what you mean. They just keep building and building. And to think that we chased the Indians off their land. After all, they were here before us.

A leash is not necessarily going to protect your dog from a predator. One of my neighbors had a hawk attack his little dog....that was on a leash at that time.
We all love the wildlife, but sometimes it needs to be culled. We have more deer in America than we did a hundred years ago. That's why states like NC have a six deer hunting limit per year. Too many folks get hurt when their cars hit deer in the road.

Animals may have been here before us, but we are at the top of the food chain. I'm not going to move so that a scraggly old coyote can have more room to roam. By the way, we were here before the coyote. They are not indigenous to this area. They were brought in and released. If they leave me and mine alone, then I say live and let live. If they threaten me, then they get put down. I'll watch them travel over the golf course. I don't play golf so I think it is kind of funny if they leave a few land mines. :jester:
I think this is a pretty reasonable viewpoint. Right down the middle. Thanks.

[MDLNB]

I think this is a pretty reasonable viewpoint. Right down the middle. Thanks.

Sometimes I should just wait until I have my second cup of coffee before posting. I hate sounding like other grumpy old men. :jester:

[Patty55]

Y'know, when I lived in upstate NY they would put goats out with the horses to protect the horses from wildlife-it seemed to work. Maybe if you all turned out goats that would work.

[Chi-Town]

Patrolling the lanai perimeter for coyotes.54728

[Taltarzac725]

Y'know, when I lived in upstate NY they would put goats out with the horses to protect the horses from wildlife-it seemed to work. Maybe if you all turned out goats that would work.

Coyotes and coyote control and management (http://icwdm.org/handbook/carnivor/coyotes.asp)

I see donkeys and llamas working in this linked handbook, but not goats? The llamas and donkeys do not seem to like dogs either?

Donkeys. Although the research has not focused on donkeys as it has on guarding dogs, they are gaining in popularity as protectors of sheep and goat flocks in the United States. A recent survey showed that in Texas alone, over 2,400 of the 11,000 sheep and goat producers had used donkeys as guardians. from above linked manual.

[Patty55]

I don't know about donkeys, a donkey protecting a pony doesn't make a lot of sense.

The goat thing you can get milk-assuming it's a female.

[Barefoot]

We all love the wildlife, but sometimes it needs to be culled. We have more deer in America than we did a hundred years ago. That's why states like NC have a six deer hunting limit per year. Too many folks get hurt when their cars hit deer in the road.

Animals may have been here before us, but we are at the top of the food chain. I'm not going to move so that a scraggly old coyote can have more room to roam. If they leave me and mine alone, then I say live and let live. If they threaten me, then they get put down.

Sounds reasonable to me. :ho:

[MDLNB]

Patrolling the lanai perimeter for coyotes.54728

Now, that is too darned cute! Hope Willey doesn't snatch that little fella.

[Chi-Town]

Now, that is too darned cute! Hope Willey doesn't snatch that little fella.
Thanks. There is an escape hatch.

[kittygilchrist]

Patrolling the lanai perimeter for coyotes.54728

Did you mean to type Pet Trolling?:oops:

[Chi-Town]

Did you mean to type Pet Trolling?:oops:
No, but I like it.[emoji192]

[joldnol]

I don't have a a pet to walk [other than my husband ;) ] before or after dark. I understand anyone's fear of gators, coyotes, and even dogs. What I don't understand is the intense desire of pet owners/dog walkers to have coyotes trapped and killed rather than exercise personal responsibility to do their best to avoid them. What am I missing?

Coyotes are an invasive, non-native species and unwanted vermin. One cannot avoid them if they are roaming free, which they are. Trap and eliminate all of them.

[gerryann]

Coyotes are an invasive, non-native species and unwanted vermin. One cannot avoid them if they are roaming free, which they are. Trap and eliminate all of them.

Understanding some facts about coyotes in Florida can help alleviate your fears, and improve your ability to reduce conflict and live with coyotes, just as we all live with other wildlife.

Might I suggest a very informative web site.

http://www.gainesville.com/assets/pdf/GS238071018.PDF

[njbchbum]

Coyotes are an invasive, non-native species and unwanted vermin. One cannot avoid them if they are roaming free, which they are. Trap and eliminate all of them.

Have you read any reports of any close encounters of coyotes approaching/chasing anyone or anyone approaching/chasing coyotes in TV? Would love to read about it if you can provide a link to any such story. And I do hoope you will familiarize yourself with the informational site gerryann provided.

[kittygilchrist]

Coyotes are an invasive, non-native species and unwanted vermin. One cannot avoid them if they are roaming free, which they are. Trap and eliminate all of them.


The article cited is a review of 40 years of coyote management efforts in Texas. Although it was written 15 years ago, you might find the discussion of methods of interest.



http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/publications/96pubs/96-82.pdf

[kittygilchrist]

Understanding some facts about coyotes in Florida can help alleviate your fears, and improve your ability to reduce conflict and live with coyotes, just as we all live with other wildlife.

Might I suggest a very informative web site.

http://www.gainesville.com/assets/pdf/GS238071018.PDF

Credentialed writer.
Thanks. I wrote the author a letter asking him to call me.

[Taltarzac725]

Understanding some facts about coyotes in Florida can help alleviate your fears, and improve your ability to reduce conflict and live with coyotes, just as we all live with other wildlife.

Might I suggest a very informative web site.

http://www.gainesville.com/assets/pdf/GS238071018.PDF

Nice link. :posting: https://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/books/book-of-the-week-coyote-at-the-kitchen-door/410845.article I should have this book Coyote at the Kitchen Door soon. I will give you a review after I thumb through it.

[rdhdleo]

:agree:I am a Floridian. I am not hysterical.
Totv has been the site for discussions in which alligators that did not snatch anything were trapped outside preserves, and wild hogs were trapped near a course where they were rooting up dirt.
Now we have coyotes, one of which did eat dog that was in its own yard, And two reports, one of which I could obtain verification for that cats were clearly taken by something that entered the lanai.

Yesterday I sat on the lanai with my cat and watched the most beautiful coyote I ever saw run from the golf course pond toward the house next to mine and run between it and the next house, in broad daylight.

I am sorry for the alligators and the hogs and the coyotes, but I fail to see why those that killed nothing are trapped and those that killed a dog are not. To state the obvious, we are displacing them. I would gently ask those whose conscience is offended by the trap and kill of nuisance animals, if there is not some gap in the ideal of preserving them when your home rests on the land we took from them?

This now is mine and my animals are my priority. Coyotes, alligators and hogs are no longer welcome. My dog is the canine entitled to this little patch of turf, and cat, age 21, deserves to enjoy the sun on the lanai.

I had my say, and I respect those who differ.

:agree:

[njbchbum]

Your link doesn't open.....at least not for me.

Save your time and concern, gerryan. The link
goes back to villages - news that cannot be linked to here.

I went there and did a search on 'coyote' - got the story about the pup snatched when out for releif late and unleashed and got a photo with sandhill cranse NOT being disturbed by the FAKE coyote at Lopez.

Nothing to be read there about people/coyotes chasing after each other.

[rdhdleo]

I was riding my bike last evening in the neighborhood and chanced upon one of my neighbors walking his dog. He told me of one of our neighbors on the golf court side, that was out in her backyard with her dog (on leash) when she noticed a coyote at the fence watching them. He also mentioned the dog in the neighboring area that was snatched by the coyote. He works at the golf course so he sees coyotes frequently.

You can dismiss them if you wish. Some of us are just having a conversation about possible sightings and options available. I don't think we are going to get rid of the coyotes any more than I think we will get rid of the 'gators. Articles about coyote related incidents, even from other areas, are useful in how you approach a possible confrontation, or how to avoid an incident with wildlife. Criticizing another for trying to be helpful because you think you know it all, is probably not being helpful.

Like I said before, I have had personal experience with some coyotes in the past and you really shouldn't be so dismissive of their presence. Respect them, or even fear them if it works for you. These animals must be hungry if they are venturing so close to humans during the day. And yes, they will attack you. But, if you have a small morsel of meat on a string with you, they will probably go for it rather than you. And you know what I mean by meat on a string; Fluffy. I don't think that avoiding ponds and lakes is going to matter that much, but being aware of your surroundings could make a difference. Hey, I had a neighbor that almost lost his dog to a hawk, while he was walking the little fella on a lease in our neighborhood. If you have little members of your family (pets) it is your responsibility to watch out for them. I don't know about you, but I am willing to do whatever is necessary to protect my family, and that includes the little members.

Well said!

[Barefoot]

Have you read any reports of any close encounters of coyotes approaching/chasing anyone or anyone approaching/chasing coyotes in TV.
Nothing I've heard in The Villages, other than speculation.
I've seen one coyote on a golf course at 7 am. He was very timid and ran away.
I'm way more afraid of gators on golf courses.

[golfing eagles]

I don't worry too much about the coyotes, eventually they all strap an ACME rocket to their backs and launch themselves into a canyon wall:1rotfl:

[MDLNB]

I don't worry too much about the coyotes, eventually they all strap an ACME rocket to their backs and launch themselves into a canyon wall:1rotfl:

:thumbup:

[joldnol]

I am not against wildlife. I am against invasive species. Coyotes and pythons are not native to Florida. We will never be able to rid our state of these vermin but we can control them by eliminating them when found. Gators, bobcats, panthers and various birds of prey are natives and need to be respected.

[Barefoot]

I am not against wildlife. I am against invasive species. Coyotes and pythons are not native to Florida. We will never be able to rid our state of these vermin but we can control them by eliminating them when found. Gators, bobcats, panthers and various birds of prey are natives and need to be respected.
Why does it matter if they are native. :confused: They are living creatures who feel pain.

[joldnol]

It matters because they have no place in our ecosystem other than in replacing native predators such as bobcats and panthers through competition. Pythons are living creatures too but they are reeking havoc in the Everglades. Melaluca trees are invasive and they are drinking up huge amounts of water from our wetlands. Lion Fish are living creatures and they are wrecking our reef environments. Just because a coyote is a canine and has cute babies does not make it acceptable in Florida.

[joldnol]

Absolutely fear mongering! Posters should confine discussion to coyote incidents in TV. What has been posted so far is nothing like the alarmist videos Kitty has provided.

yes to just TV, because we all know coyotes in TV are so much better mannered than riff raff in Ocala or So Fla so any analogies to those are invalid and wouldn't possibly behave like coyote attacks occurring else where in the state.

[Chi-Town]

Coyotes are an invasive, non-native species and unwanted vermin. One cannot avoid them if they are roaming free, which they are. Trap and eliminate all of them.
I wonder if the Seminoles thought the same of us.

[TheVillageChicken]

Read all about it. (http://alturl.com/ihh8x)

[MDLNB]

Why does it matter if they are native. :confused: They are living creatures who feel pain.

I don't know about you, but I feel pain also. Thing is, I would rather an attacking animal feel the pain than myself. But, I have never been accused of being a tree hugger. I'm not willing to sacrifice myself or my family to satisfy the hunger of a wild animal. Guess I am just too ecologically challenged to care about an abundance of wild critters that pose a threat to the community peace.

[gerryann]

When a Villager is eaten to satisfy the hunger of a coyotte, be sure to post it here. Im sure many will join you to search for the wild critter. Until then, just keep an eye on your pets, keep the dogs on a 6ft leash and carry a noisemaker to scare the beast.

[njbchbum]

When a Villager is eaten to satisfy the hunger of a coyotte, be sure to post it here. Im sure many will join you to search for the wild critter. Until then, just keep an eye on your pets, keep the dogs on a 6ft leash and carry a noisemaker to scare the beast.

:bigbow:

:mademyday:

[joldnol]

I wonder if the Seminoles thought the same of us.

Possibly, but they too were not native to Fla.

[MDLNB]

Possibly, but they too were not native to Fla.

:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[MDLNB]

When a Villager is eaten to satisfy the hunger of a coyotte, be sure to post it here. Im sure many will join you to search for the wild critter. Until then, just keep an eye on your pets, keep the dogs on a 6ft leash and carry a noisemaker to scare the beast.

I guess I won't have to worry about it. That Villager won't be me. I'd really rather not have a "told ya so" moment. That's not my thing. I have always felt that if one is prepared for the worst, then it usually doesn't happen. It's always worked for me. Of course, it is less stressful to walk through life oblivious to threats and dangers. At least until one of those incidents drops on you like a collapsing concrete wall.

[Chi-Town]

I don't worry too much about the coyotes, eventually they all strap an ACME rocket to their backs and launch themselves into a canyon wall:1rotfl:
How about Acme rocket roller skates?

https://youtu.be/S2VXOd3uXh8

[golfing eagles]

How about Acme rocket roller skates?

https://youtu.be/S2VXOd3uXh8

They don't roll well thru the preserves

[dbussone]

They don't roll well thru the preserves


Too funny!

[Barefoot]

Guess I am just too ecologically challenged to care about an abundance of wild critters that pose a threat to the community peace.
I don't think it's been clearly documented that there is an abundance of wild creatures in The Villages that pose a threat to community peace.

[MDLNB]

I don't think it's been clearly documented that there is an abundance of wild creatures in The Villages that pose a threat to community peace.

Right. A coyote steals a pet from a residence yard, but it wasn't "clearly documented." OK.

[Barefoot]

I don't think it's been clearly documented that there is an abundance of wild creatures in The Villages that pose a threat to community peace.
Right. A coyote steals a pet from a residence yard, but it wasn't "clearly documented." OK.
I feel terrible for the people who lost their dog.
Hopefully other pet owners will make sure their pets are always on a leash and supervised closely.
But I don't think one dog means "there is an abundance of wild creatures in The Villages that pose a threat to community peace"!

[gerryann]

I guess I won't have to worry about it. That Villager won't be me. I'd really rather not have a "told ya so" moment. That's not my thing. I have always felt that if one is prepared for the worst, then it usually doesn't happen. It's always worked for me. Of course, it is less stressful to walk through life oblivious to threats and dangers. At least until one of those incidents drops on you like a collapsing concrete wall.

In the long run, is the stress you are creating for yourself really worth it? It's always best to be prepared for the possibilities, but being attacked by a coyote is just not something that you need to be so stressed over. I admit....I just got home from a walk with my pup in the dark. I had a flashlight and a billy club and a whistle....just in case. But I am NOT stressed over it as you apparently are. Take a deep breath and think about it. I feel awful for the one pup and his owner...but it was ONE pup.

[MDLNB]

In the long run, is the stress you are creating for yourself really worth it? It's always best to be prepared for the possibilities, but being attacked by a coyote is just not something that you need to be so stressed over. I admit....I just got home from a walk with my pup in the dark. I had a flashlight and a billy club and a whistle....just in case. But I am NOT stressed over it as you apparently are. Take a deep breath and think about it. I feel awful for the one pup and his owner...but it was ONE pup.

Like I said and reiterate, I'm not stressed at all. I have dealt with coyotes in the past, and I don't fear them. I don't stress muggers either. I'm prepared for either, with no stress. Prepared does not make me worried. This is just a conversation. Like my old daddy used to say, "ignorant people go through life happy". I guess if one doesn't know that there might be a danger out there somewhere, then they have nothing to be worried about. These coyotes will have to be dealt with eventually. You can ignore them until they start becoming a nuisance. Then, it may take drastic measures to eradicate them. Hate to see that happen because I think they are beautiful creatures. The ones that frequently passed through my yard in NC were large and healthy looking. Of course, we had plenty of rabbit, 'possum, mice and racoon for them to feed on. They even left my daughter's chickens alone, although she does own several dogs.

Coyote have been sighted in several areas of the Villages. Whether you ignore that or not, is entirely up to you. Sounds like you are prepared, with a stick and whistle, so apparently you are aware of your surroundings. The conversation was not supposed to be a debate, but rather an informational exchange. Since there are probably no natural predators to cull the coyote population down, I can foresee them reproducing into an eventual problem. They have to eat too, so birds and their eggs will be targeted, as well as mice, rats, 'possum and other rodents. Trash will be broken into and maybe even pets will be targeted. Just the nature of the beast.

I'd like to ignore the weeds in my yard too, but if I leave them be, they will eventually take over my landscape. Just a thought. Not a worry. Worry is when you don't leave your home for fear of being attacked. It's very unlikely you will be attacked by a coyote, but not impossible. Probably more rare than a snake bite.

[fmdjr1950]

I too wonder if the dog was leashed as required ? Maybe this would have not happened.

[bilcon]

I found a woman holding her small dog on my front porch at 9:30pm. She said an animal about the size of a big dog had approached her and she ran to my door for help. She lived about two blocks away, so I drove her home. My question is: What are you doing walking your dog, in the dark, at 9:30 PM. I live on the golf course, and often see lots of wildlife.

[golfing eagles]

I found a woman holding her small dog on my front porch at 9:30pm. She said an animal about the size of a big dog had approached her and she ran to my door for help. She lived about two blocks away, so I drove her home. My question is: What are you doing walking your dog, in the dark, at 9:30 PM. I live on the golf course, and often see lots of wildlife.

Maybe the dog had to go "potty"?

[LSTOWELL]

I live on Cane Gardens golf course and at the end of Allamanda there is a wild life preserve and it is full of coyotes. you can hear them all yelling when they hear the fire sirens going off at the corner. We saw one at 7 a.m walking in back on the tee box. big. I too walk my dogs in the evening and carry a flashlight and have been scared by strange sounds. I spoke with Ocala Regional Wildlife today and she told me they need people to call them when they see one so they can keep a record. She also stated they do not walk into traps. They feed on small animals and birds and are not after humans so we need to do something to "scare" them if we see them. throw rocks, have a noise maker (tin can with pennies will do). I take a broom out with me at night when I have to let me pets out. She also said if they were killed, they have a way of reproducing quickly and will be back in full force in a year or so. Calif. had problems like this and they are back like before so there's really nothing we can do to get rid of them, however, they are not a protected species. and it is ILLEGAL to feed them which she said some people do. watch your garbage to make sure nothing is getting it it at night , if so, then take out in the a.m. instead. her number is 352-732-1225

[Jima64]

Maybe the dog had to go "potty"?

Maybe she should think about staying in front of her own house and not walk the dog at. Night. I too have two small dogs and the only time they are out at night is to do the business in the front yard.

[su2009]

My Siamese cat was taken from my lanai on January 15, 2015 sometime between 9:30 p.m., when I saw him in his cat bed, and 4:30 a.m when I got up. We have a cat door from the inside to the lanai and this cat usually went out onto the lanai once or twice during the night just to watch the golf course.

Although I did not realize it at the time, that night the screen door to the outside was not loose and not latched (ours has to be pulled tight to latch). I had not remembered to check the outside screen door before going to bed. The night was cold and raining, and my cat hated the rain and would not have gone out in it. He also would not have gotten lost; he liked people and walked up and down the block when he was young, and all the neighbors knew him. When I got up at 4:30 a.m. the next morning, my Siamese cat was gone, there was a dog-sized muddy footprint on the lanai, and the other cat then refused to go out through the cat door onto the lanai for three months after that, even if I was with him. Of course, now I am very careful to make sure the screen door is pulled tightly and latched when I go in or out.

On August 3, 2015, a neighbor three doors up called me at 1 p.m. in the afternoon to let me know that a coyote was making her way down the backyards of the houses on the Kenya golf course side of our street, Bramble Terrace. As we spoke on the phone, the coyote arrived in our backyard. It was a young female, and she came up onto our patio in the daylight and stared into our lanai. She then sniffed carefully around the lanai and through the bushes in the back and on the side of our house before moving down to the next neighbors' house. It was raining that day, but coyotes have a very oily coat and she did not look even slightly wet � her ears were up and her bushy tail was full and not bedraggled at all.

She was clearly alert and hunting for prey, and she searched carefully through the bushes behind the other houses on the golf course. I have no idea whether she was the coyote who took our cat, but she certainly found our lanai a place of interest, and coyotes are unquestionably smart enough to work open a poorly latched screen door.

[gerryann]

I live on Cane Gardens golf course and at the end of Allamanda there is a wild life preserve and it is full of coyotes. you can hear them all yelling when they hear the fire sirens going off at the corner. We saw one at 7 a.m walking in back on the tee box. big. I too walk my dogs in the evening and carry a flashlight and have been scared by strange sounds. I spoke with Ocala Regional Wildlife today and she told me they need people to call them when they see one so they can keep a record. She also stated they do not walk into traps. They feed on small animals and birds and are not after humans so we need to do something to "scare" them if we see them. throw rocks, have a noise maker (tin can with pennies will do). I take a broom out with me at night when I have to let me pets out. She also said if they were killed, they have a way of reproducing quickly and will be back in full force in a year or so. Calif. had problems like this and they are back like before so there's really nothing we can do to get rid of them, however, they are not a protected species. and it is ILLEGAL to feed them which she said some people do. watch your garbage to make sure nothing is getting it it at night , if so, then take out in the a.m. instead. her number is 352-732-1225

Great information. This is all just a part of living where we do. We can't build and over populate an area, then expect the wildlife to go away. We have to take precautions and learn to accept their existence. Leashing our dogs is being done to protect them.

[Jimturner]

The coyote is more dangerous than alligators yet they are removed to the point they are never seen in the retention ponds any more. Leave the gaters and get rid of the coyotes.

[looneycat]

this thread has been beaten to death

[Jima64]

Very disturbing that they have such freedom of movement. Makes me think different about personal weapons for defense.

[joldnol]

The coyote is more dangerous than alligators yet they are removed to the point they are never seen in the retention ponds any more. Leave the gaters and get rid of the coyotes.

amen to that bro. They can cart off all the human Gators they want, just leave the reptile ones alone (and besides Gators were here before us, unlike the vermin aka coyotes).

[Taltarzac725]

My Siamese cat was taken from my lanai on January 15, 2015 sometime between 9:30 p.m., when I saw him in his cat bed, and 4:30 a.m when I got up. We have a cat door from the inside to the lanai and this cat usually went out onto the lanai once or twice during the night just to watch the golf course.

Although I did not realize it at the time, that night the screen door to the outside was not loose and not latched (ours has to be pulled tight to latch). I had not remembered to check the outside screen door before going to bed. The night was cold and raining, and my cat hated the rain and would not have gone out in it. He also would not have gotten lost; he liked people and walked up and down the block when he was young, and all the neighbors knew him. When I got up at 4:30 a.m. the next morning, my Siamese cat was gone, there was a dog-sized muddy footprint on the lanai, and the other cat then refused to go out through the cat door onto the lanai for three months after that, even if I was with him. Of course, now I am very careful to make sure the screen door is pulled tightly and latched when I go in or out.

On August 3, 2015, a neighbor three doors up called me at 1 p.m. in the afternoon to let me know that a coyote was making her way down the backyards of the houses on the Kenya golf course side of our street, Bramble Terrace. As we spoke on the phone, the coyote arrived in our backyard. It was a young female, and she came up onto our patio in the daylight and stared into our lanai. She then sniffed carefully around the lanai and through the bushes in the back and on the side of our house before moving down to the next neighbors' house. It was raining that day, but coyotes have a very oily coat and she did not look even slightly wet – her ears were up and her bushy tail was full and not bedraggled at all.

She was clearly alert and hunting for prey, and she searched carefully through the bushes behind the other houses on the golf course. I have no idea whether she was the coyote who took our cat, but she certainly found our lanai a place of interest, and coyotes are unquestionably smart enough to work open a poorly latched screen door.

I suppose this is the Buttonwood area cat snatching that has been on here before but talked about by one of your friends or neighbors? I live in Lynnhaven where supposedly there was another cat taken but I only know about that third hand if that. The Lynnhaven home is near Churchill Downs and Livingston Loop close to Lynnhaven Postal Center and the Golf Course (Belmont-- Hole 4).

[joldnol]

this thread has been beaten to death

perhaps maybe one needs to stop reading and commenting on it then

[greenhillsgirl]

Yesterday afternoon, I thought I saw what I thought was pathetic black dog run aside our pool birdcage. I immediately tried to call to the sad looking thing...get him/her into the garage to check for tags. It was immediately gone...
In searching online, it was most definitely not a dog...
Big tail, straggly looking, pointed ears.....
We live between Preserves....we border the Santiago mail station.

[kittygilchrist]

///

[kittygilchrist]

My Siamese cat was taken from my lanai on January 15, 2015 sometime between 9:30 p.m., when I saw him in his cat bed, and 4:30 a.m when I got up. We have a cat door from the inside to the lanai and this cat usually went out onto the lanai once or twice during the night just to watch the golf course.

Although I did not realize it at the time, that night the screen door to the outside was not loose and not latched (ours has to be pulled tight to latch). I had not remembered to check the outside screen door before going to bed. The night was cold and raining, and my cat hated the rain and would not have gone out in it. He also would not have gotten lost; he liked people and walked up and down the block when he was young, and all the neighbors knew him. When I got up at 4:30 a.m. the next morning, my Siamese cat was gone, there was a dog-sized muddy footprint on the lanai, and the other cat then refused to go out through the cat door onto the lanai for three months after that, even if I was with him. Of course, now I am very careful to make sure the screen door is pulled tightly and latched when I go in or out.

On August 3, 2015, a neighbor three doors up called me at 1 p.m. in the afternoon to let me know that a coyote was making her way down the backyards of the houses on the Kenya golf course side of our street, Bramble Terrace. As we spoke on the phone, the coyote arrived in our backyard. It was a young female, and she came up onto our patio in the daylight and stared into our lanai. She then sniffed carefully around the lanai and through the bushes in the back and on the side of our house before moving down to the next neighbors' house. It was raining that day, but coyotes have a very oily coat and she did not look even slightly wet – her ears were up and her bushy tail was full and not bedraggled at all.

She was clearly alert and hunting for prey, and she searched carefully through the bushes behind the other houses on the golf course. I have no idea whether she was the coyote who took our cat, but she certainly found our lanai a place of interest, and coyotes are unquestionably smart enough to work open a poorly latched screen door.

Thank you for this post very much. Your coming forward to unequivocally put to rest denial that coyotes are Wiley enough to find kitties kitties on the lanai. Videos of coyotes show them breaking windows as well.
If I were you, it would be hurtful to have people disbelieve what I am sure of, accuse me of telling A fable about the disappearance of my sweet cat, or blaming me for leaving the door ajar, not caring that The reality of the awfulness Of replaying over and over my guilt for not protecting well, the sickening impossible longing to do over that nanosecond.
Hoping it was quickly done, I hope kitty neck was snapped! Just like that! between his favorite place and the portal the beast came in and out. There is no real comfort.

Dear One, may the Lord comfort you. May the readers you hope to spare from losing their innocence Violently get you when you describe the beast, now that you've looked him in the eye, you describe so beautifully and tragically what it's like, that you were the only one who knows that you are looking in the eye of the beast whose vicious ravening teeth savored at least the liver, possibly sharing kitty with pups.

I hope with you that the warning will not fall on deaf ears.
It is not easy being a prophet of doom.

Beyond a shadow of doubt, you know that a coyote ate your cat.
I know beyond a shadow of doubt, that when my cat goes to the highest farthest spot on in the lanai, out near the screen, where he can see out, and sit in the sun, he feels catly, kingly superior.

As the person responsible to protect him, the intelligent one, the researcher who learns everything she can about the enemy, beyond a shadow of doubt I know that in the dark silently invisibly a growing army is in training. Learning that cat-on-lanai is the best kill food. A cat that presents himself, like a gift, right out at the screen. Coyotes have a sort of beat you stalk, smelling, scoping out. In the wild it was tough, prey had to be chased.

Prey in the wild were fair game. Is it sporting, these fish in a barrel, is it moral to find the weakest point of entry, break in and snap! And back out the way the way I came in? Fowl on the lakes are yummy, but they are less cost effective.
The advantage is all ours..tame little cats are unwary, no trees On a alanai, and we climb better than a tame cat anyway. Easier. I'd say, than a sitting duck.

Ducks can fly.
Sheep to the slaughter. Screens are there to keep the kitty from having an exit when I tear it, exactly like our historical favorite, sheep penned up as lifestock.
Risky business. Farmers know we are there. They have big dogs, high fences, multiple traps, snares, poison, raid our nests, we win some and we lose some. Shotguns. We learned to work at night.

In TV we are learning when garbage days are, which houses have pets, where the dogs are trolled on lines like bait with no hook, which neighborhoods have the houses with the kill inside a fence---you just hop up, in, up, out. But you have to case the joint and work the day shift.
Cat-on-lanai is my favorite, night or day, like window shopping.



......

[looneycat]

perhaps maybe one needs to stop reading and commenting on it then

probably will since it is filled with meaningful posts like this one. but 18 pages is overkill, I made that observation, your comment added what?

[Taltarzac725]

Kitty. Cannot see a solution to your problem with your cat's safety as well as its enjoyment of life. The coyotes probably will be around the CR466A area because of all the recent development in the Villages' Southland. If they trap one or two that still leaves the others that have been displaced by the recent house building.

Do you still have a big dog maybe it should keep watch on the lanai?

I do think most coyotes will high tail it whenever they encounter a dog bigger than they are unless the dog is very submissive. One of those motion sensors that sets off a dog barking? REX Entrance Alerts with Barking Dog Sound (http://www.1800doorbell.com/rex-electronic-watchdog.htm?gclid=Cj0KEQjwg9-vBRCK7L7wmO2u0JcBEiQA_tzoaBfZBJs8oSb799Oq05ZLjbFd2 pPsj79FsbWQGE0lwPEaAunR8P8HAQ)

[gerryann]

Thank you for this post very much. Your coming forward to unequivocally put to rest denial that coyotes are Wiley enough to find kitties kitties on the lanai. Videos of coyotes show them breaking windows as well.
If I were you, it would be hurtful to have people disbelieve what I am sure of, accuse me of telling A fable about the disappearance of my sweet cat, or blaming me for leaving the door ajar, not caring that The reality of the awfulness Of replaying over and over my guilt for not protecting well, the sickening impossible longing to do over that nanosecond.
Hoping it was quickly done, I hope kitty neck was snapped! Just like that! between his favorite place and the portal the beast came in and out. There is no real comfort.

Dear One, may the Lord comfort you. May the readers you hope to spare from losing their innocence Violently get you when you describe the beast, now that you've looked him in the eye, you describe so beautifully and tragically what it's like, that you were the only one who knows that you are looking in the eye of the beast whose vicious ravening teeth savored at least the liver, possibly sharing kitty with pups.

I hope with you that the warning will not fall on deaf ears.
It is not easy being a prophet of doom.

Beyond a shadow of doubt, you know that a coyote ate your cat.
I know beyond a shadow of doubt, that when my cat goes to the highest farthest spot on in the lanai, out near the screen, where he can see out, and sit in the sun, he feels catly, kingly superior.

As the person responsible to protect him, the intelligent one, the researcher who learns everything she can about the enemy, beyond a shadow of doubt I know that in the dark silently invisibly a growing army is in training. Learning that cat-on-lanai is the best kill food. A cat that presents himself, like a gift, right out at the screen. Coyotes have a sort of beat you stalk, smelling, scoping out. In the wild it was tough, prey had to be chased.

Prey in the wild were fair game. Is it sporting, these fish in a barrel, is it moral to find the weakest point of entry, break in and snap! And back out the way the way I came in? Fowl on the lakes are yummy, but they are less cost effective.
The advantage is all ours..tame little cats are unwary, no trees On a alanai, and we climb better than a tame cat anyway. Easier. I'd say, than a sitting duck.

Ducks can fly.
Sheep to the slaughter. Screens are there to keep the kitty from having an exit when I tear it, exactly like our historical favorite, sheep penned up as lifestock.
Risky business. Farmers know we are there. They have big dogs, high fences, multiple traps, snares, poison, raid our nests, we win some and we lose some. Shotguns. We learned to work at night.

In TV we are learning when garbage days are, which houses have pets, where the dogs are trolled on lines like bait with no hook, which neighborhoods have the houses with the kill inside a fence---you just hop up, in, up, out. But you have to case the joint and work the day shift.
Cat-on-lanai is my favorite, night or day, like window shopping.



......

Yikes....this is a lot of stuff. I don't care for your constant phrase of the cats neck being snapped.....a bit dramatic.

When my kids were little, they had a window that led out to the roof of the house. They used to love to go out there late at night, lie down, and watch the stars. As much as they enjoyed this, it was way too dangerous. I was the one responsible for their safety. After attempts at "trusting" that they wouldn't go out there. I eventually had to nail the window shut. I had to do whatever it took to keep them safe and out of danger.

I am aware of the natural dangers here in central Florida. My dog can't swim in the lakes or ponds, I must take precautions whenever she is outdoors. When playing in the parks, I have to watch out for fire ants. There are many regional dangers here in Central Florida, including Coyotes. I chose to live here. I must adjust to my surroundings and protect my pet......this does NOT include removing animals that live here as well.

[summerhill]

I moved to a Villa recently. One of the reasons was that my 2 cats used to be outdoor cats and I did not dare let them out at my house. The older female (who could never jump over the villa wall or want to jump) was attacked in the back yard by a big feral tomcat. She won't be out alone anymore. Was always afraid of bobcat, but never thought of an attack by a feral.

[CFrance]

Yikes....this is a lot of stuff. I don't care for your constant phrase of the cats neck being snapped.....a bit dramatic.

When my kids were little, they had a window that led out to the roof of the house. They used to love to go out there late at night, lie down, and watch the stars. As much as they enjoyed this, it was way too dangerous. I was the one responsible for their safety. After attempts at "trusting" that they wouldn't go out there. I eventually had to nail the window shut. I had to do whatever it took to keep them safe and out of danger.

I am aware of the natural dangers here in central Florida. My dog can't swim in the lakes or ponds, I must take precautions whenever she is outdoors. When playing in the parks, I have to watch out for fire ants. There are many regional dangers here in Central Florida, including Coyotes. I chose to live here. I must adjust to my surroundings and protect my pet......this does NOT include removing animals that live here as well.
I like your analogy about the kids and the roof. (We had to do the same.) I was going to point out that in both known cases of coyotes vs small pet in TV, as tragic a they are, the lesson to be learned is that we need to be the ones responsible for our pets' safety, just as we were with our children. A dog was off leash; a lanai screen door was not latched. I am very sorry for both of these owners. It's a very hard way to learn a lesson.

[Taltarzac725]

I like your analogy about the kids and the roof. (We had to do the same.) I was going to point out that in both known cases of coyotes vs small pet in TV, as tragic a they are, the lesson to be learned is that we need to be the ones responsible for our pets' safety, just as we were with our children. A dog was off leash; a lanai screen door was not latched. I am very sorry for both of these owners. It's a very hard way to learn a lesson.

There was a third pet snatching from a lanai in Lynnhaven. A lady pointed out the home where this supposedly happened and I believe that this house does not have latches on the lanai windows. It has a door to the outside and a screened birdcage. The cat was ripped out of the birdcage by something either a coyote or a bobcat. I have not heard firsthand from the homeowner though. If they want to post on here, nothing is stopping them. Some people just want to move on after experiencing something like this.

[tomwed]

I pointed this out in the BigFoot thread. Although not a completely original on my part I think if we put a 30 foot wall around The Villages this will work. I think I can get the coyotes to pay for it.

[njbchbum]

I pointed this out in the BigFoot thread. Although not a completely original on my part I think if we put a 30 foot wall around The Villages this will work. I think I can get the coyotes to pay for it.

All you will need then is a Pied Piper or two to lead the coyotes and bobcats and gators to the other side of the wall! Bet that could be tougher than getting the coyotes to pay for the wall! ;)

[Villageswimmer]

I pointed this out in the BigFoot thread. Although not a completely original on my part I think if we put a 30 foot wall around The Villages this will work. I think I can get the coyotes to pay for it.


Have a public meeting, but don't tell the coyotes it's on the agenda--just bill them.

[Taltarzac725]

All you will need then is a Pied Piper or two to lead the coyotes and bobcats and gators to the other side of the wall! Bet that could be tougher than getting the coyotes to pay for the wall! ;)

You would have to make sure that wall goes underwater too at points around the Villages and deep underwater into the ground. Cannot have the gators swimming under it along with the snakes.


The Villages' plan probably would only allow a two story wall if that. How high can bobcats jump?

[Chi-Town]

Photos of hawks, eagles, alligators, bobcats, and wild pigs here have been posted on TOTV. We need a coyote photo to have a show and tell discussion.

[kittygilchrist]

Photos of hawks, eagles, alligators, bobcats, and wild pigs here have been posted on TOTV. We need a coyote photo to have a show and tell discussion.

Good idea. I can help with the coyote photo. I'll spend a few hours today Photo shopping a pic of my boxer standing valiantly atop the hot tub ledge peering out the lanai toward the golf course.

That's all I will have time to contribute so the rest of you will have to take it from there. This afternoon when I wake up I will post The before picture, to get your juices flowing for a killer ending. Quadruple entendres accidentally poison my pen! I am not responsible for people who read between the lines and put you know what in their garbage bags.

By the way there is actually an innocent long haired blonde seven-year-old I am not making this up relaxing in the spa. Her hair gleams in the sun. Lucky you, subliminal halos are my specialty.

PS wouldn't volunteer to do anymore except that Photoshop makes it a snap, pardon the pun, to reproduce coyotes, as if they needed any help. Interest of genuineness,I can put two of them on the golf course just where I actually saw two and scattergun, oh bout a dozen more. I thought about the reason we don't get any pictures is we play in the day shift and they work night shift. As they habituate to urban life they adapt like a Virus on steroids, well maybe that metaphor was creative license, they do actually get more shiftless.

I have to go now so just one more thing and go to \\\ apologies all over the place if you posted while I was typing this: Predators in Paradise.
Pps ( not peepees). Editors note: If the word scattergun caught your eye and you feel feisty, please post it so everybody bored with this can have a whole Nother (sp?) melee.

[kittygilchrist]

Kitty. Cannot see a solution to your problem with your cat's safety as well as its enjoyment of life. The coyotes probably will be around the CR466A area because of all the recent development in the Villages' Southland. If they trap one or two that still leaves the others that have been displaced by the recent house building.

Do you still have a big dog maybe it should keep watch on the lanai?

I do think most coyotes will high tail it whenever they encounter a dog bigger than they are unless the dog is very submissive. One of those motion sensors that sets off a dog barking? REX Entrance Alerts with Barking Dog Sound (http://www.1800doorbell.com/rex-electronic-watchdog.htm?gclid=Cj0KEQjwg9-vBRCK7L7wmO2u0JcBEiQA_tzoaBfZBJs8oSb799Oq05ZLjbFd2 pPsj79FsbWQGE0lwPEaAunR8P8HAQ)

Tal, for thinking FOR me and OF me, thanks!
If you wanted to help with Mission Impassable, google Kevlar Coyote extainment screens for Billionaires.

[graciegirl]

We had guests last night, visiting from Cincinnati. We were sitting on the screened lanai, and the cats were with us and I put them inside when it got dark and explained to the friends about the coyote problem.


They all are from the same street in a Cincinnati suburb and were saying much the same. They too were having coyotes roaming at night in their area in Cincinnati and they all were taking extra precautions to protect their small dog and cats.


Coyotes are there and here.

[Taltarzac725]

We had guests last night, visiting from Cincinnati. We were sitting on the screened lanai, and the cats were with us and I put them inside when it got dark and explained to the friends about the coyote problem.


They all are from the same street in a Cincinnati suburb and were saying much the same. They too were having coyotes roaming at night in their area and they all were taking extra precautions to protect their small dog and cats.


Coyotes are there and here.

Wily coyote captured in New York - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11563728/Wily-coyote-captured-in-New-York.html) In NYC too.

Maybe, they have the right idea. Trank it. And then put it in a wilderness area like the Ocala National Forest.

[graciegirl]

Wily coyote captured in New York - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11563728/Wily-coyote-captured-in-New-York.html) In NYC too.

Maybe, they have the right idea. Trank it. And then put it in a wilderness area like the Ocala National Forest.



In my minds eye, I see the Ocala National Forest as full of homeless people.
Many of us here in TV have contributed to helping programs for them.

[Taltarzac725]

In my minds eye, I see the Ocala National Forest as full of homeless people.
Many of us here in TV have contributed to helping programs for them.

That forest is very large. It probably has bears, fox, gators, coyotes and many other creatures. Ocala National Forest - Nature Viewing (http://www.fs.usda.gov/photogallery/ocala/recreation/natureviewing/gallery/?cid=2084&position=Promo)

[Chi-Town]

There are 2000 coyotes in Chicago. They have adapted by becoming totally nocturnal, learning how to cross busy streets, staying away from humans and their pets, and feeding on prey only. Here is an interesting National Geographic article about this phenomenon:

Downtown Coyotes: Inside the Secret Lives of Chicago's Predator (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/11/141121-coyotes-animals-science-chicago-cities-urban-nation/#)

[Taltarzac725]

Coyotes causing problems for residents near Cocoa - Florida Newstime (http://www.floridanewstime.com/news/miami/123470-coyotes-causing-problems-for-residents-near-cocoa.html)

I saw this yesterday on the Orlando news. Other coyotes will come back though once the trapper gets rid of this group.