We lost another dog.

[Taltarzac725]

Another dog snatched from yard by a coyote.

This happened very late last night (7-27-2017) to a favorite dog at Doggie Doo Run Run. Occurred south of Sumter Landing though.

Still very raw for its owners so will not go into details unless the owners choose to share this with the public via some other media.

[graciegirl]

Another dog snatched from yard by a coyote.

This happened very late last night (7-27-2017) to a favorite dog at Doggie Doo Run Run. Occurred south of Sumter Landing though.

Still very raw for its owners so will not go into details unless the owners choose to share this with the public via some other media.

I am very sad to hear this.

The last time there was a thread of coyotes, there was a picture of a ripped screen on a lanai that was obviously not one of our lanai's here in The Villages. I see nothing wrong with people being very careful of their pets and children but I don't like rumors spread that are incorrect. And alarms raised that are bogus. Do you know these folks personally, Tal or just heard of them?

[Sandtrap328]

It happened "very late at night"? Was the dog let out without a short leash to do it's business?

What kind of dog? Exactly where did this happen? Was the owner outside with the dog when it happened?

Naturally, everyone is sorry for pet owners to lose a pet but ...

Gracie is right - as in most things - that rumors and bogus alerts are not helpful to anyone. It is always best to have full facts available before posting.

[Taltarzac725]

I know these people who own the dog well from Doggie Doo Run Run. This is from a phone call made from one of the owners to another dog park regular from the person who opened the door to let out the dog to pee about 3:30 AM and then heard the dog being carried off by an animal of some kind. That's all the details I have except that the other owner of the pooch was crying in the background during the call. I assume the dog was not on a leash when it was let out to pee. It is also probably a coyote that did this.

The Village is Pennecamp.

Both of these people are devasted, of course, by the loss of the dog as are the many people at Doggie Doo Run Run who know these dogs. They have three but the little guy was the one who needed to pee.

I take a golf club when I go out at night and have the dog on a very short leash. And there definitely are coyotes out at night here in Lynnhaven.

They may not want to talk about this to the press because of the mistake that was made probably by someone half-asleep. And I expect that they may want to keep this private for the most part so I should not say anything more than this.

[Chi-Town]

Unfortunately, the stories occur everywhere. I lived in a suburb of Chicago, and owners were surprised that coyotes even existed there. But the reality is that they adapt quickly to just about any environment and we need to make adjustments in tending to our pets. Even though this link is about the suburbs it applies here also.

Chicago Suburb Announces Plan to 'Coexist' With Coyotes - NBC Chicago (http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/st-charles-coyote-plan-413642233.html)

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[Taltarzac725]

Unfortunately, the stories occur everywhere. I lived in a suburb of Chicago, and owners were surprised that coyotes even existed there. But the reality is that they adapt quickly to just about any environment and we need to make adjustments in tending to our pets. Even though this link is about the suburbs it applies here also.

Chicago Suburb Announces Plan to 'Coexist' With Coyotes - NBC Chicago (http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/st-charles-coyote-plan-413642233.html)

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It is hard when it is a dog I would see sometimes ever day and a good friend of Beau. He will be missed by just about everyone at Doggie Doo Run Run from the big dog and big field areas. The pooch would hang around with his much bigger sisters. I will remember 7/27/2017 the rest of my life and with quite a lot of disappointment and sadness. And the lost dog happens to be named after a character on Game of Thrones which will be extra hard for these two people when trying to watch this show in the future.

[jsw14]

YIKE's So Sad.....:22yikes:

[Chi-Town]

We keep reading about coyotes in The Villages but no photos. All our cell phones and no photos. A bunch of us were playing Saddlebrook one day, and a bobcat sauntered by. Snap and here it is. Let's get some coyote pics.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170728/2ca19154475f62d9c2e4df7fbd91b4c8.jpg

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[KathieI]

I'm sorry to hear that Tal. It must be so upsetting for that family. I am constantly aware of these wild animals where my dogs are concerned and my greatest fear is losing one of them in this manner. My friend has a small dog who loves to go out the doggie door and although there is some fencing around his house, I worry that a predator might be lurking some day and I advise him all the time to close the doggie door overnight. Some night when I come home late from dancing, I do see coyotes lurking around the streets and it scares me to death. Sorry for the loss of that precious pet.

[SALYBOW]

I had no idea this was happening in peoples yards. I guess I thought a CV would eliminate this problem.
:doggie: This is my little Gracie Girl. I know she is old but I don't want her to go in that cruel way. When she crossed the rainbow bridge i want her to be held in my arms.

[Miles42]

trap them

[Carl in Tampa]

We keep reading about coyotes in The Villages but no photos. All our cell phones and no photos. A bunch of us were playing Saddlebrook one day, and a bobcat sauntered by. Snap and here it is. Let's get some coyote pics.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170728/2ca19154475f62d9c2e4df7fbd91b4c8.jpg

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Coyotes tend to be nocturnal in heavily populated areas, so opportunities for photos would be limited.

Someone might want to launch a photo shoot at night with a quality camera instead of a cell phone. Maybe two people; one to walk the dog on a leash and the other to take the photos.

[Taltarzac725]

Coyotes tend to be nocturnal in heavily populated areas, so opportunities for photos would be limited.

Someone might want to launch a photo shoot at night with a quality camera instead of a cell phone. Maybe two people; one to walk the dog on a leash and the other to take the photos.

I am still sticking with the golf club Carl in Tampa when out in the late afternoon and late evening. A five club also makes a good cane of sorts with its convenient handle. Also use a very short leash and keep eyes scanning around for critters.

[Chatbrat]

Taurus Judge with 5 410 shells-PDF loads--lots of times Coyotes run in packs

[raynan]

Don't forget the owls and hawks. Huge wingspans and can lift small pets.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Coyotes tend to be nocturnal in heavily populated areas, so opportunities for photos would be limited.

Someone might want to launch a photo shoot at night with a quality camera instead of a cell phone. Maybe two people; one to walk the dog on a leash and the other to take the photos.

Splendid idea. I might nominate this for inclusion into the "Hold My Beer and Watch This" Hall of Fame.

[Sandtrap328]

Don't forget the owls and hawks. Huge wingspans and can lift small pets.

Absolutely right. Lots of dangerous things for pets - and grandchildren.

Don't forget the fire ants, brown recluse spiders, pygmy rattlesnakes, coral snakes, water moccasins just to mention a few.

Many folks bought a courtyard villa for the walled in yard for a dog to run around in. Coyotes can jump, hawks can fly in, and the fire ants will come in. Snakes and spiders will get in, too.

[Taltarzac725]

Don't forget the owls and hawks. Huge wingspans and can lift small pets.

There was a large bird of prey that was killing some of the ducks in our neighborhood and even left a half-eaten carcass of one on the front door of a neighbor. I believe this was a falcon but am not sure.

[Chi-Town]

As the prey increases so do the predators. Keep in mind that an unleashed chihuahua and an outdoor cat are prey

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[Miles42]

Don't let your pets run free .

[gap2415]

We are cautious but not paranoid. Bobcats lived in tall grass very near our last house and never bothered our two cats in the pool lanai. The cats came inside at dusk though. Around here everything seems much leaner and perhaps hungrier. Dusk I believe is the time to be extra cautious as animals know some are heading to their dens and others just coming out hoping to cross paths. I would walk the dog earlier if possible.

[Taltarzac725]

The details are in an article on that other site. Jon Snow was very beloved by people at the dog park as well as Susan C.

[fred53]

Always sad to hear this, but you have to wonder what people are thinking when they: a)let their out off leash...illegally b)let a dog out on it's own when it's bit sized for coyotes and gators. What are people thinking...or not thinking. Sorry, but my sympathy is of the dog...not the ignorant owner.

[Sandtrap328]

Absolutely right. Letting a dog outside at 3:30 a.m. offleash is just irresponsible. The owner should have put a short leash on the dog and walked outside with him. The dog would still be here.

Isn't there a two dog limit per household?

[Taltarzac725]

Absolutely right. Letting a dog outside at 3:30 a.m. offleash is just irresponsible. The owner should have put a short leash on the dog and walked outside with him. The dog would still be here.

Isn't there a two dog limit per household?

Not if you move here with three dogs like her, her husband and others. She has a big family. She did a brave thing putting it online as there are always critics. Not so many if you put it in The Villages Daily Sun as most of that is not online. But stuff online stays up visible for quite some time.

She is trying to make sure that others do not make the same heartbreaking mistake.

[salpal]

Skeptics -- when I heard about the coyote snatching the dog in Tall Trees, I immediately stopped my habit of letting my two small dogs follow me to get the newspaper in the morning. It is a good thing I did, because one week later, I saw a coyote in the middle of the street in front of next door neighbors. Now, not to be funny during someone's tragedy, but I had never seen a coyote. Thinking it was a lost dog, I called to the "dog" - "here boy, here boy" -- thankfully it ran off. I came in the house and googled images of coyotes and realized my stupidity. Those who doubt that coyotes are roaming the neighborhood may lose a pet. They are out there and we all need to watch our fur babies. I live in Bonita if you are wondering.

[Taltarzac725]

Skeptics -- when I heard about the coyote snatching the dog in Tall Trees, I immediately stopped my habit of letting my two small dogs follow me to get the newspaper in the morning. It is a good thing I did, because one week later, I saw a coyote in the middle of the street in front of next door neighbors. Now, not to be funny during someone's tragedy, but I had never seen a coyote. Thinking it was a lost dog, I called to the "dog" - "here boy, here boy" -- thankfully it ran off. I came in the house and googled images of coyotes and realized my stupidity. Those who doubt that coyotes are roaming the neighborhood may lose a pet. They are out there and we all need to watch our fur babies. I live in Bonita if you are wondering.

People should also remember that some of us live with parents, kids, friends, partners, etc. who may be half-asleep, drunk, or have some kind of Alzheimer's or cognitive disability involved who may also let the dog out while not thinking clearly. Or sometimes just do not get the door shut properly.

I saw a coyote trotting here in Lynnhaven at 3:00 PM about five months ago and thought it was a lose German Shepherd as it was that size. Then I got closer and saw that it was something quite different from the way it moved and looked at its surroundings. I had my dog in the car while returning from going to the vet and had been thinking of picking this dog up. I will bet there were some frightened golfers too on the Belmont course as this coyote headed towards the Lake Miona area where I have heard there is a pack. Just a rumor though. This was probably the alpha from its size and confidence. It also sounds like the animal that snatched Bailey in Tall Trees last week as this was also very large for a coyote.

[bagboy]

I have seen one coyote in The Villages. It was pre-dawn crossing Triggerfish in Pennecamp. I assumed it was hunting for food. I have heard coyotes occasionally off property probably within a mile of Lake Miona so I don't doubt there is a pack near there. When you hear them, there is no mistaking them for anything other than what they are.

[PromisesKept]

Maybe it's time to allow us to put up fences for protection!

[autumnspring]

Always sad to hear this, but you have to wonder what people are thinking when they: a)let their out off leash...illegally b)let a dog out on it's own when it's bit sized for coyotes and gators. What are people thinking...or not thinking. Sorry, but my sympathy is of the dog...not the ignorant owner.

We know these people, we knew the dog.

[Taltarzac725]

We know these people, we knew the dog.

I know them too and loved that dog Jon Snow. They were very responsible when it came to their dogs. Just Jon Snow was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I worry about my dog and golf carts and cars as he likes to cross the street a lot. And I do not hear some of these electric cars and golf carts approaching.

This is an extremely nice family from my interactions with them over the past three years or so.

They should be careful though as there some rather large coyotes out there as well. They might be able to take down a good sized dog but probably would not be able to take it away.

There seems to be a pack around the Lake Miona area. I do not hear coyotes at night here in Lynnhaven but they are out and about according to people who have seen them here and there in this area.

Beau our chihuahua/terrier often greeted Jon Snow at Doggie Doo Run Run and vice versa. One of the few dogs he ever paid much attention too.

And the visiting kids at the dog park would often pet Jon Snow and then Beau or Beau and then Jon Snow.

[Kazmi]

I know them too and loved that dog Jon Snow. They were very responsible when it came to their dogs. Just Jon Snow was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I worry about my dog and golf carts and cars as he likes to cross the street a lot. And I do not hear some of these electric cars and golf carts approaching.

This is an extremely nice family from my interactions with them over the past three years or so.

They should be careful though as there some rather large coyotes out there as well. They might be able to take down a good sized dog but probably would not be able to take it away.

There seems to be a pack around the Lake Miona area. I do not hear coyotes at night here in Lynnhaven but they are out and about according to people who have seen them here and there in this area.

Beau our chihuahua/terrier often greeted Jon Snow at Doggie Doo Run Run and vice versa. One of the few dogs he ever paid much attention too.

And the visiting kids at the dog park would often pet Jon Snow and then Beau or Beau and then Jon Snow.


In my neck of the woods (MI) coyote are making a dent in the large population of deer. A few months ago if an alert owner not far from my home hadn't gone looking for their adult collie they had let out for the night, the pack that had him surrounded may have done more damage than the ear that the poor dog lost to the pack. A lone coyote will feed on the smaller prey. Larger animals are no match for a pack of coyote. Keep a watch on all furbabies of any size.

Breaks my heart every time I read about another one taken.

[Barefoot]

Maybe it's time to allow us to put up fences for protection!Coyotes can jump fences in CYVs. Eagles can carry small dogs away. Fences don't necessarily mean safety from predators.

I have seen one coyote in The Villages. It was pre-dawn crossing Triggerfish in Pennecamp. I saw a coyote on Churchill Downs Golf Course in back of our house.
Coyotes are out there in all villages, and we should all be cautious.
It's important to walk all pets on leashes.

[kittygilchrist]

I can't help sayin I told you so.

[Taltarzac725]

I can't help sayin I told you so.

Not sure what we can do about the coyotes here in this area. The alligators are here. They get too big and we move them or kill them. Does not seem to be any simple solution.

My father was telling me about his boss who used to hunt them for their hides. Sounds barbaric to me but that was in Nevada. That does not seem to fit in with a retirement community in Florida.

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

[Carl in Tampa]

Not sure what we can do about the coyotes here in this area. The alligators are here. They get too big and we move them or kill them. Does not seem to be any simple solution.

My father was telling me about his boss who used to hunt them for their hides. Sounds barbaric to me but that was in Nevada. That does not seem to fit in with a retirement community in Florida.

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

Coyotes may be hunted and/or trapped year around in Florida. However, as I believe I have previously pointed out, there is virtually no place in The Villages where it would be legal to discharge a firearm.

The coyote problem can only be addressed by the Morse family, if they choose to do so, by hiring licensed trappers to work on the problem in the open areas owned by the family.

Only licensed trappers may sell the coyote hides. Apparently there is a market for this.

The coyotes will never all be eliminated. It has been tried in a lot of locations, without success.

Do not let your pets roam free. They can be snatched up in seconds.

[CFrance]

And if your pet is acting out of character in the middle of the night, it's natural to think that he needs to go out to do his business. But it may be that he's acting out of character because he senses a predator outside. Just be sure to leash him and go out there with him, fence or no fence.

[Barefoot]

And if your pet is acting out of character in the middle of the night, it's natural to think that he needs to go out to do his business. But it may be that he's acting out of character because he senses a predator outside. Just be sure to leash him and go out there with him, fence or no fence.
Excellent comment.
As Carl in Tampa said "Do not let your pets roam free. They can be snatched up in seconds."

[Annarachel]

Good morning,can we set traps for the coyotes????I own a house in pine ridge. we saw one when we came home around midnight about 4 months ago.

[BobsBurgers]

Hello Everyone. Newbie here.

I must admit, this is an issue I never considered when moving here to TV.

I thought my tiny fur babies were fairly safe, as we have one of the few fully fenced backyards in Pine Hills. But now I feel like a total lunatic following them in to the backyard carrying a broomstick as a weapon. 😳

[Taltarzac725]

And if your pet is acting out of character in the middle of the night, it's natural to think that he needs to go out to do his business. But it may be that he's acting out of character because he senses a predator outside. Just be sure to leash him and go out there with him, fence or no fence.

Beau barked at something outside last night around 2:00 AM. Too early for the newspaper delivery guys. We had a clutch of baby rabbits in our section of houses and the coyotes often hunt these.

I never go out when he is barking to see what it is but just make sure the door is locked and I have a weapon nearby.

[Taltarzac725]

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/create-a-petition.html/?src=google_sem&campaign=create_a_petition_us_c_petition:create%20 a%20petition%20online:b:ctrl:&s_kwcid=google_sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqvvLBRDIARIsAMYuvBGzpBpKGgrbnLcBvgVP gtWZ0AVkrmj5GOMBsmPmKaY_ThGWAwYhghQaArSjEALw_wcB

We could create a petition to deal with the coyotes and direct it at the Morses.

Unlike the alligators the coyotes are an invasive species for the area of Central Florida. The used to be a Western Species but we killed off most wolves-- their major predator-- and they spread across the US. And I would not recommend bringing in some wolves as they occasionally eat people. Wolf attacks on humans - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_attacks_on_humans) Coyote attacks on humans - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_attacks_on_humans)

[GeoGeo]

Unless I missed something I don't like the fact that a coyote gets blamed for this if the animal in question was not seen. How big was the dog? What about a big owl? Or a bobcat or Florida panther? It is a terrible thing to have happen no matter what, but I think it should be a lesson to everyone to keep your dog on a leash....just don't let them outside.

[Chi-Town]

Lived in a suburb of. Chicago pop. 75,000. There were a couple if golf courses and a cemetery which were pretty much the only open spaces. There was an occasional fox but no coyotes or bobcats. All of a sudden coyote sightings started to occur, and some pets were victims. The village set traps, tagged them and released them miles away. They found their way back. Anyhow, people got smarter about protecting pets and prevention, and the coyotes got smarter about living with people. That will happen here also.

GHOSTS OF THE CITIES: WILD URBAN COYOTES IN & AROUND CHICAGO - YouTube (https://youtu.be/QPgBuz-xG5Q)

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[Barefoot]

Hello Everyone. Newbie here.
I must admit, this is an issue I never considered when moving here to TV.
I thought my tiny fur babies were fairly safe, as we have one of the few fully fenced backyards in Pine Hills. But now I feel like a total lunatic following them in to the backyard carrying a broomstick as a weapon. 😳Welcome to TOTV.:welcome:
Don't feel like a lunatic, you are merely keeping a watchful eye over your tiny fur babies.
In the future, I hope that pet owners will learn from these heart-breaking coyote snatchings.
And that all pet owners will do whatever it takes to keep their vulnerable pets safe.

[Taltarzac725]

Unless I missed something I don't like the fact that a coyote gets blamed for this if the animal in question was not seen. How big was the dog? What about a big owl? Or a bobcat or Florida panther? It is a terrible thing to have happen no matter what, but I think it should be a lesson to everyone to keep your dog on a leash....just don't let them outside.

The person who owns Jon Snow saw the coyote according to the other Villages site.

[Chi33]

I don't get something. I read dog owners are getting up at 2:30am and 3:30am to let the dog go to bathroom. Personally I think some training needs to be involved. Old people need our sleep.

[Barefoot]

I don't get something. I read dog owners are getting up at 2:30am and 3:30am to let the dog go to bathroom. Personally I think some training needs to be involved. Old people need our sleep.Oldsters can have weak bladders, maybe we need some training also. :evil6:

[Sandtrap328]

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/create-a-petition.html/?src=google_sem&campaign=create_a_petition_us_c_petition:create%20 a%20petition%20online:b:ctrl:&s_kwcid=google_sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqvvLBRDIARIsAMYuvBGzpBpKGgrbnLcBvgVP gtWZ0AVkrmj5GOMBsmPmKaY_ThGWAwYhghQaArSjEALw_wcB

We could create a petition to deal with the coyotes and direct it at the Morses.
]


Just because two dogs were killed? It is sad that two pets were killed BUT in BOTH cases, it was because the dogs were off-leash.

The irresponsible owners are to blame in both cases. The second one especially where the dog was let outside off-leash at 4 a.m.

Sorry, but I would oppose a petition to trap coyotes.

[Carl in Tampa]

Good morning,can we set traps for the coyotes????I own a house in pine ridge. we saw one when we came home around midnight about 4 months ago.

Trapping coyotes on your own property may still require a license, perhaps depending upon your age. (Over 65 years of age has many license requirements waived.) Do some research on the Florida Fish and Wildlife pages.

Question: If you trap a coyote, how are you going to dispose of it?

[Taltarzac725]

Just because two dogs were killed? It is sad that two pets were killed BUT in BOTH cases, it was because the dogs were off-leash.

The irresponsible owners are to blame in both cases. The second one especially where the dog was let outside off-leash at 4 a.m.

Sorry, but I would oppose a petition to trap coyotes.

I believe there have been more than two. Some people probably do not report it to the paper for fear of criticism.

[fishon]

70635

[NoMoSno]

Coyotes may be hunted and/or trapped year around in Florida. However, as I believe I have previously pointed out, there is virtually no place in The Villages where it would be legal to discharge a firearm.

The coyote problem can only be addressed by the Morse family, if they choose to do so, by hiring licensed trappers to work on the problem in the open areas owned by the family.

Only licensed trappers may sell the coyote hides. Apparently there is a market for this.

The coyotes will never all be eliminated. It has been tried in a lot of locations, without success.

Do not let your pets roam free. They can be snatched up in seconds.
Actually it is legal to protect life or property.
The sheriff in Mulberry station confirmed this.
Of course once it leaves the muzzle you own it.
New Florida law bans backyard shooting ranges (http://archive.naplesnews.com/news/state/New-Florida-law-bans-backyard-shooting-ranges-370083151.html/)
You can't go out and hunt them in a residential area, but a revolver loaded with 22 blanks would likely get them running.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

Coyotes may be hunted and/or trapped year around in Florida. However, as I believe I have previously pointed out, there is virtually no place in The Villages where it would be legal to discharge a firearm.

The coyote problem can only be addressed by the Morse family, if they choose to do so, by hiring licensed trappers to work on the problem in the open areas owned by the family.

Only licensed trappers may sell the coyote hides. Apparently there is a market for this.

The coyotes will never all be eliminated. It has been tried in a lot of locations, without success.

Do not let your pets roam free. They can be snatched up in seconds.

Actually it is legal to protect life or property.
The sheriff in Mulberry station confirmed this.
Of course once it leaves the muzzle you own it.
New Florida law bans backyard shooting ranges (http://archive.naplesnews.com/news/state/New-Florida-law-bans-backyard-shooting-ranges-370083151.html/)
You can't go out and hunt them in a residential area, but a revolver loaded with 22 blanks would likely get them running.

Well, I confess to a certain level of confusion. I have spent a career (now retired) as a Deputy Sheriff in Florida, and we have never been taught that deadly force could be used to "protect property." (As much as we love them, dogs are, in fact, "property.") Firing a firearm is deadly force.

Assuming that the information which you received is correct, which I still doubt, then I wonder why "You can't go out and hunt them in a residential area."

A person who has a concealed weapons license can surely walk abroad carrying a concealed pistol while walking his dog. And, according to your information, the person can discharge the firearm to "protect property."

Remember it is a felony to discharge a firearm from a "vehicle," so don't be shooting from your golf cart.

I have a feeling that if someone shoots a coyote within The Villages with a lawfully possessed pistol, that person will, nonetheless, take a ride to jail.

[Carl in Tampa]

The only law that I have found that might justify firing a firearm in a residential area "to protect life or property" has one warning.

The law that permits firing a firearm in a residential area "to protect life or property" only applies "if, under the circumstances, the discharge does not pose a reasonably foreseeable risk to life, safety, or property."

I strongly suspect that the police would argue that any discharge would be such a risk. They give you a ride, and you spend money on a lawyer.

Just my opinion.

[NoMoSno]

Apparently it's a misdemeanor charge, if unwarranted, from the article I posted and discussed with the sheriff.
Of course you would know your target and what's behind it.

[GeoGeo]

I don't think trapping or shooting coyotes is the answer. Wild animals were here long before The Villages moved to the area. We probably wouldn't be reading these type of stories if people would obey the rules/laws and have their dogs on a short leash when outside their house. Coyotes and other animals are just doing what comes naturally. Humans need to take some responsibility for their actions.

[Didiwinbob]

Being Coyote Wise: Living with Urban Coyotes - YouTube (https://youtu.be/-LQMxZo0YSM)

[Carl in Tampa]

Apparently it's a misdemeanor charge, if unwarranted, from the article I posted and discussed with the sheriff.
Of course you would know your target and what's behind it.

A residence or business would be behind your target almost anywhere you point in The Villages.

[Taltarzac725]

A residence or business would be behind your target almost anywhere you point in The Villages.

True. I have heard farmers shooting once in a while within maybe 1/2 of a mile of Lynnhaven. Sounds like a rifle and not a shotgun. Nor really like a pistol. Rifle shots can travel quite a distance.

[Kazmi]

I don't think trapping or shooting coyotes is the answer. Wild animals were here long before The Villages moved to the area. We probably wouldn't be reading these type of stories if people would obey the rules/laws and have their dogs on a short leash when outside their house. Coyotes and other animals are just doing what comes naturally. Humans need to take some responsibility for their actions.

I agree that coyote and other wild animals are just doing what comes naturally but we forget that we used to hunt them for our own food. Since we no longer do that how are we taking our responsibilities seriously considering our "rung of the food chain"? No species was here first - all species just continue to expand into common territory. With the larger number of offspring the population growth of coyote will continue to surpass the growth of others. At some point we will be forced to address this. I no longer see possum or rabbits around my house anymore. Both serve more purpose on this earth than just as feed to coyote.

[ejp52]

How about a .22 caliber pistol with bird shot??
As a last resort.

[Barefoot]

I agree that coyote and other wild animals are just doing what comes naturally but we forget that we used to hunt them for our own food. Since we no longer do that how are we taking our responsibilities seriously considering our "rung of the food chain"? No species was here first - all species just continue to expand into common territory. With the larger number of offspring the population growth of coyote will continue to surpass the growth of others. At some point we will be forced to address this. I no longer see possum or rabbits around my house anymore. Both serve more purpose on this earth than just as feed to coyote.
Your "rung of the food chain" post makes sense to me. And I'm a "bleeding-heart animal lover".
I've been advocating that people need to be more responsible for the safety of their pets.
However when animals are overpopulated, their litters start starving to death.
They get desperate for food, and act in ways that are atypical for their species, like hunting during the day, etc.
I don't know what the answer is, and I believe leg traps are cruel, but I think you are right.
At some point we'll be forced to address the coyote problem.

[Carl in Tampa]

Apparently it's a misdemeanor charge, if unwarranted, from the article I posted and discussed with the sheriff.
Of course you would know your target and what's behind it.

I now understand why I was confused. The law was not signed until Feb. 24, 2016, long after I left law enforcement.

Yes, the violation is a misdemeanor. But that is still quite a risk. "A violation of this law is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine." -- FS 790.15

[Carl in Tampa]

How about a .22 caliber pistol with bird shot??
As a last resort.

My research indicates that the .22 birdshot round will kill a snake at a range of a few feet. Some writers say the shot disperses so quickly and is so lightweight (it is #12 shot, 0.05" diameter) that you discuss its range in feet, not yards.

They say that at 15 feet, from a rifle, it will kill a small bird, but not necessarily a pigeon. It has less effect from a pistol.

You might scare a coyote, but that would be about all.

Interestingly, there are several air rifles that would easily kill a coyote, among them the Benjamin Rogue which can kill a deer. However, I know of no air pistol that will kill a coyote. Incidentally, these powerful air rifles are not silent.

I argue against taking coyote suppression into private hands. If the problem becomes severe, the Morse family will probably take action. In the mean time, keep your pets on a leash and carry a cane or golf club to brandish at any predator you might encounter.

[Taltarzac725]

My research indicates that the .22 birdshot round will kill a snake at a range of a few feet. Some writers say the shot disperses so quickly and is so lightweight (it is #12 shot, 0.05" diameter) that you discuss its range in feet, not yards.

They say that at 15 feet, from a rifle, it will kill a small bird, but not necessarily a pigeon. It has less effect from a pistol.

You might scare a coyote, but that would be about all.

Interestingly, there are several air rifles that would easily kill a coyote, among them the Benjamin Rogue which can kill a deer. However, I know of no air pistol that will kill a coyote. Incidentally, these powerful air rifles are not silent.

I argue against taking coyote suppression into private hands. If the problem becomes severe, the Morse family will probably take action. In the mean time, keep your pets on a leash and carry a cane or golf club to brandish at any predator you might encounter.

I carry a five iron golf club and have the dog on a six feet leash. I never liked those retractable leads. I tried to pet sit for a woman in Palm Harbor, FL with too spoiled very big dogs and could not get them to walk all that well as they were all over the place. I guess the neighbors of the woman saw me like that and I lost that customer in my pet sitting endeavor. She was a widow and those two dogs were her life. Still had other customers though.

This is a very good book on living with wild animals but focuses on many kinds of critters-- Coyote at the Kitchen Door: Living with Wildlife in Suburbia: Stephen DeStefano: 9780674060180: Amazon.com: Books (https://www.amazon.com/Coyote-Kitchen-Door-Wildlife-Suburbia/dp/0674060180)

[CFrance]

My research indicates that the .22 birdshot round will kill a snake at a range of a few feet. Some writers say the shot disperses so quickly and is so lightweight (it is #12 shot, 0.05" diameter) that you discuss its range in feet, not yards.

They say that at 15 feet, from a rifle, it will kill a small bird, but not necessarily a pigeon. It has less effect from a pistol.

You might scare a coyote, but that would be about all.

Interestingly, there are several air rifles that would easily kill a coyote, among them the Benjamin Rogue which can kill a deer. However, I know of no air pistol that will kill a coyote. Incidentally, these powerful air rifles are not silent.

I argue against taking coyote suppression into private hands. If the problem becomes severe, the Morse family will probably take action. In the mean time, keep your pets on a leash and carry a cane or golf club to brandish at any predator you might encounter.
Thank you for a voice of reason and source of information.

[Taltarzac725]

I do wonder how my dog park friends who lost Jon Snow are doing this week. Have not seen them back at the dog park since this extremely unfortunate and heartbreaking loss of this beloved pooch. He was a favorite among many at Doggie Doo Run Run.

[graciegirl]

I do wonder how my dog park friends who lost Jon Snow are doing this week. Have not seen them back at the dog park since this extremely unfortunate and heartbreaking loss of this beloved pooch. He was a favorite among many at Doggie Doo Run Run.

I feel so sad for them.

I am sorry that I was skeptical of your report Tal.

There was a thread about coyotes killing our pets from about two years ago that included information with a picture of a torn up lanai screen that wasn't taken here. There was other overstatements then as well and incorrect information that frightened all who love their pets and pets in general, which is good as far as being very protective goes. But it skittered around the real facts.

Helene is very careful that our kitties are in, off of the lanai before the sun goes down.

[Taltarzac725]

I feel so sad for them.

I am sorry that I was skeptical of your report Tal.

There was a thread about coyotes killing our pets from about two years ago that included information with a picture of a torn up lanai screen that wasn't taken here. There was other overstatements then as well and incorrect information that frightened all who love their pets and pets in general, which is good as far as being very protective goes. But it skittered around the real facts.

Helene is very careful that our kitties are in, off of the lanai before the sun goes down.

No big deal, graciegirl. I have been skeptical too about reports of bobcats taking cats off of lanais here in Lynnhaven. These were a few years ago now.

I am a lot more scared of Beau getting hit by a golf cart or car as those are the injuries I hear most about from people going to the dog park. Especially if these dogs are on long leashes. Beau is on a short leash but often wants to cross the road because of smells on the other side.

Coyote attacks are quite rare. But the golf cart accidents involving dogs much less so.

[Kazmi]

Your "rung of the food chain" post makes sense to me. And I'm a "bleeding-heart animal lover".
I've been advocating that people need to be more responsible for the safety of their pets.
However when animals are overpopulated, their litters start starving to death.
They get desperate for food, and act in ways that are atypical for their species, like hunting during the day, etc.
I don't know what the answer is, and I believe leg traps are cruel, but I think you are right.
At some point we'll be forced to address the coyote problem.

I am too and fully agree that there's got to be a better way than leg traps. Unless people are willing to agree that the growing population is or will be a problem nothing will get done other than an occasional trapper using leg traps or moving the unwanted animal to another area (which does nothing to solve the growth problem).

[Sandtrap328]

Two dogs taken by coyotes does not make a problem. Remember that both dogs were off leash. One was let outside at 4 a.m.

The problem is NOT coyotes but rather irresponsible dog owners.

Leg traps would not be used in a populated area like The Villages as some of these family pets would end up in the trap with a broken leg. Oh, the irresponsible owners would howl louder than the trapped pets.

Personally, if I ever would see any type of trap for a coyote, I would spring it with a large stick.

[Taltarzac725]

Two dogs taken by coyotes does not make a problem. Remember that both dogs were off leash. One was let outside at 4 a.m.

The problem is NOT coyotes but rather irresponsible dog owners.

Leg traps would not be used in a populated area like The Villages as some of these family pets would end up in the trap with a broken leg. Oh, the irresponsible owners would howl louder than the trapped pets.

Personally, if I ever would see any type of trap for a coyote, I would spring it with a large stick.

I know of at least three dogs that were reported in the Villages media which were taken by coyotes. There were two in the last three weeks or so and the third was maybe around late 2016. This was in Glennview. All three of these were grabbed near or on the people's yard. My guess is also that many people do not report their pooches being taken by coyotes or whatever because of the usual attacks on them by people criticizing them for something on another.

[Sandtrap328]

I know of at least three dogs that were reported in the Villages media which were taken by coyotes. There were two in the last three weeks or so and the third was maybe around late 2016. This was in Glennview. All three of these were grabbed near or on the people's yard. My guess is also that many people do not report their pooches being taken by coyotes or whatever because of the usual attacks on them by people criticizing them for something on another.

...and the common denominator is that NONE of the dogs were on a short (6 foot) leash.

You are careful with Beau and your statement that a far greater danger to dogs are carts, cars, and trucks speaks volumes. If all dog owners were as responsible as you, there would be no issues with coyotes, hawks, snakes, or alligators.

[perrjojo]

...and the common denominator is that NONE of the dogs were on a short (6 foot) leash.

You are careful with Beau and your statement that a far greater danger to dogs are carts, cars, and trucks speaks volumes. If all dog owners were as responsible as you, there would be no issues with coyotes, hawks, snakes, or alligators.
If a hungry coyote wants your fur baby, a leash may not be much of a deterrent. There have recently been two coyote sightings in Mission Hills.

[BoatRatKat]

I don't get something. I read dog owners are getting up at 2:30am and 3:30am to let the dog go to bathroom. Personally I think some training needs to be involved. Old people need our sleep.

Little dogs have little bladders and if they're older their bladders are weaker as well, they can only hold it so long. My pup is tiny and old and thus goes out late at night and very early in the morning. I keep that little boy so close to me on a leash that he's pee'd on my foot before. The minute he's done we're back in the house. It's not just dark hours either, we constantly have hawks sitting on the fence out back but they can easily be chased off. I recently killed a water moccasin in our yard and I have to watch for the fire ant hills. I do a visual check each time before I let him out. I know the coyotes are out there...I hear them howling nearly every night and don't forget the gators are roaming around at night too between ponds. Dangers are out there day and night, be aware of your surroundings when your pups are outside and keep them close. My sympathy to the families that have lost their dogs...I can't imagine such an agony to have to go through and pray I never do.

[Barefoot]

I argue against taking coyote suppression into private hands. If the problem becomes severe, the Morse family will probably take action.
That bears repeating.

If a hungry coyote wants your fur baby, a leash may not be much of a deterrent.

The leash may not be a deterrent, but I think the dogs that were grabbed were off leash.
I'm not being critical of the owners who have suffered greatly -- it's a common mistake in the middle of the night.
I think a human within six feet of the dog may act as a deterrent.
Especially if the human is carrying a noisemaker or a golf club (coyotes are cautious animals).

[Barefoot]

Little dogs have little bladders and if they're older their bladders are weaker as well, they can only hold it so long. My pup is tiny and old and thus goes out late at night and very early in the morning. I keep that little boy so close to me on a leash that he's pee'd on my foot before. The minute he's done we're back in the house. It's not just dark hours either, we constantly have hawks sitting on the fence out back but they can easily be chased off. I recently killed a water moccasin in our yard and I have to watch for the fire ant hills. I do a visual check each time before I let him out. I know the coyotes are out there...I hear them howling nearly every night and don't forget the gators are roaming around at night too between ponds. Dangers are out there day and night, be aware of your surroundings when your pups are outside and keep them close. My sympathy to the families that have lost their dogs...I can't imagine such an agony to have to go through and pray I never do.
Excellent, realistic post. You are a wonderful dog owner.

[Taltarzac725]

Tragic, Sudden, Unexpected: Grieving for Traumatic Pet Loss | Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-attachment/201702/tragic-sudden-unexpected-grieving-traumatic-pet-loss)

The hard part of when a dog is taken by a coyote, other animal or some other sudden tragic event is we do not have time to plan on how to grieve. We have lost a number of pets and these have all gone off from old age or from drawn out illnesses.

[VApeople]

We were walking near Burnsed Rec Center and we saw a house with a birdcage that appeared to cover part of their grass area. We thought that was odd, but maybe they did it so their pet could relieve themselves safely.

[Chi-Town]

If a hungry coyote wants your fur baby, a leash may not be much of a deterrent. There have recently been two coyote sightings in Mission Hills.The human is the deterrent. Coyotes are smart enough to know that a little dog attached to a person is not worth it. A loose dog is meat on the table

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[Taltarzac725]

The human is the deterrent. Coyotes are smart enough to know that a little dog attached to a person is not worth it. A loose dog is meat on the table

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I would still be careful when walking your pooch at night. Carry a golf club or some other deterrent. Not all coyotes act the same.

It looks like the woman who lost Jon Snow is back on her feet so to speak. Good for her. I would be devastated if we lost Beau this way. Jon Snow and Beau really like one another and I would often say "Jon Snow lives" when meeting this woman and her husband or one of their various kids and grand kids, etc. Jon Snow is, of course, from Game of Thrones a favorite show of this woman and her family.

[Carl in Tampa]

How about a .22 caliber pistol with bird shot??
As a last resort.

I repeat my counsel against taking matters into individual hands.

I just wanted to point out the real alternative to a .22 with bird shot.

It is the Taurus revolver called The Judge, which can fire six rounds of .410 shotgun shells. One does not fire this pistol casually, or if you have a weak grip, or weak wrists, (or weak elbows, or weak shoulders.) (Or without eye protection, or without ear protection.)

:shocked: