[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

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]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

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

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]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

[MDLNB]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

[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 | 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 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 https://www.timeshighereducation.co....410845.article

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328

...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.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328

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.