[Taltarzac725]

FWC - Land Mammals - Coyote

It looks like private citizens would have to hire a wildlife trapper if attacks on pets occur on private lands.

What methods can be used to remove coyotes from an area?
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.

Looks like this would only be a temporary solution though as coyotes adapt.

Why won’t FWC just eradicate coyotes?
Research from Florida and other states has shown that removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective method to control local coyote populations. This is because coyotes can compensate by increasing litter size and new coyotes can move into habitat others have been removed from. For these reasons, removal efforts have to be continuous or coyote populations can quickly return to their original size.

[Sandtrap328]

The private lands in question belongs to the Developers. They own the golf courses, woods, marshes, and meadows.

You might use the argument that a trapper could trap on your lot but I doubt if a trapper would just do one home lot.

Best idea is to be careful about taking your dog for walks. Use a 6 foot leash and stay away from marshes, golf courses, woods, or meadows.

Never let a cat outside.

The talk about taking a pistol for coyote protection is also pretty silly. Most of the pistol owners have never shot in an active stressful situation. A coyote running to attack your dog with your dog running also close to you is NOT going to be an easy shot. Your dog or a house is just as likely to be shot as the coyote.

The number of times a coyote has snatched a dog being walked on a leash in The Villages is what? Zero?

[Kazmi]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

FWC - Land Mammals - Coyote

It looks like private citizens would have to hire a wildlife trapper if attacks on pets occur on private lands.



Looks like this would only be a temporary solution though as coyotes adapt.

Unless we becomes hunters again instead of buying our meat at the grocery store this will continue to be a problem (and not just with coyote). Many don't want to face it and diffuse the argument with the notion that for some reason our population cannot continue to expand while taking 'their land'. Successful co-habitation will take responsibilities.

[joldnol]

so eradicating an invasive species is hard so we just give up? They may be native to North america but not to florida. Kill them on sight.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328

The private lands in question belongs to the Developers. They own the golf courses, woods, marshes, and meadows.

You might use the argument that a trapper could trap on your lot but I doubt if a trapper would just do one home lot.

Best idea is to be careful about taking your dog for walks. Use a 6 foot leash and stay away from marshes, golf courses, woods, or meadows.

Never let a cat outside.

The talk about taking a pistol for coyote protection is also pretty silly. Most of the pistol owners have never shot in an active stressful situation. A coyote running to attack your dog with your dog running also close to you is NOT going to be an easy shot. Your dog or a house is just as likely to be shot as the coyote.

The number of times a coyote has snatched a dog being walked on a leash in The Villages is what? Zero?

Use the golf club that I have repeatedly recommended to protect your pet from aggressive dogs to protect your pet from coyotes.

I would wish that I could recommend shooting coyotes, but there is virtually no place in The Villages where a firearm can be discharged legally.

Florida Statute § 790.15(1), provides that any person who knowingly discharges a firearm in any public place or on or over the right-of-way of any paved public road, highway, or street or over any occupied premises is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

[zmarkp]

is that even in defense of property or self?

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by zmarkp

is that even in defense of property or self?

If you have to shoot someone because you are "in fear for your life," that is no time to reflect on whether or not you might be charged with a misdemeanor.

It is a very bad idea to discharge a firearm "in defense of property," and you might find yourself charged with a felony if you do so. You would be ill advised to shoot someone who was stealing or destroying your property. Call the police.