Coyote
 

Just took my dog out to the front yard to P as usual this time of morning. A full grown healthy coyote was across the street between two of my neighbors houses approx 100 feet away. He walked about 5 feet forward into the yard between the two and into better light and I was sure then it was not a dog, but a full grown coyote, so I picked my 6 lbs dog up. He then walked across the yard right in front of that house and between that and the next house to my right and off into the darkness at a walk. He did not appear to look directly at me, but I have no doubt he knew we were there. I have been around them all my life, but that was the first time so close without the coyote being startled away.

I know they're out there as we've occasionally seen them across the street from us in very early morning. Have they been known to attack around here?

Coyotes are fearful of humans and I have never heard of one attacking an adult human anywhere, ever. They are very opportunistic and nervous but will dash up close to a human to carry off a small pet. Coyotes in The Villages are less likely to be afraid of humans than those is more wild and remote areas, but still it would be very unlikely to attack an adult.

Yikes! Have they carried off small pets here in The Villages? And are they around all year?

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Coyotes will rarely confront humans, especially a lone coyote. Coyotes in packs (3 or more) however are a bit braver and you should quietly leave the area and they will go about their business. Coyotes will eat cats and small dogs, however, if your dog is on a leash and you are present, a lone coyote would rarely confront you. If your dog is running around on its own, then yes, a coyote will grab it. However, it is prudent to take your little dog inside until the coyote leaves the area..I always do with my little dog.

Coyotes are attracted to pet food, even if it is in a screened lanai and birdseed. They will not go through the screen, However, they will be attracted to the scent.

As we get more populated, and the coyotes become more populated and forced out of their natural habitats, we will start seeing more and more of this, and we will learn to co-exist.

IMHO, coyotes and gators are not scary. Waking up with a mountain lion or grizzly bear in your back yard is scary, which is something I have had the pleasure of experiencing. It was not only my little dog who had to "go potty".

Katie

Coyote attacks on adult humans is very very rare, but be sure, they will take a small child or pet when the opportunity come up. I have attached a link to an accurate assessment of these animals.

Coyote Attacks On People in the U.S. and Canada

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Now, that is the true definition of scary. I would have been having fits if my babies were around something like that. I am so glad yours made it home safe and sound.

Katie

Coyote Attacks on Children
I lived in Middletown, New Jersey where two children were attacked as well as pets. Coyotes can attack adults.

Your right, that coyotes can attack adults, but they don't.

What Village?

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