Reducing Coyote Encounters through Community Awareness Programs

Resumen

Prior to the turn of the twentieth century, wolves were nuisance wildlife to farmers and residential owners. After eradication of wolves, coyote population increased due to lack of predation by wolves. Coyotes expanded their territory into Florida. Their adaptability and behavior allows them to adjust in the urban environment. During Manatee County’s urban corridor development and habitat restoration of a county preserve, coyote activity in area residential landscapes increased substantially. Telephone calls tripled (n = 146) in a two year period. Residents expressed concern over the increased activity of coyotes, missing outdoor pets, and encounters with coyotes during their evening walk. The Manatee County Commission was called on many occasions to address the coyote concerns when the community requested to “hunt and kill the coyotes.” The County Commission requested Manatee County Extension Service to provide educational programming on coyote awareness. As a result, the Coyote Community Awareness Program was developed.