KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Some Kissimmee residents are concerned for the safety of their pets and kids after a possible coyote was sighted in the Hamilton Reserves community, around the Siesta Lago area.
One resident sent a video of a neighborhood cat that was attacked and taken to the hospital Wednesday. The attack removed a chuck of the pet’s back.
One resident. Dawn Pilgrim, said several cats have disappeared, and one was found dead.
She said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been called to relocate the coyote, but they are still waiting for help.
“Being in a residential community, it’s not a place for them. If they’re attacking our cats, our dogs, maybe our children next. We don’t know where their temperament is,” Pilgrim said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges caution, warning that coyotes can prey on cats and small dogs. Pet owners are advised to keep cats inside and walking dogs on a short leash. Use caution when walking pets in wooded areas or near heavy foliage where coyotes may be. That includes fenced-in yards.
Click here for more information about pet safety around wildlife.
Lethal and nonlethal options are available for property owners under nuisance wildlife regulations. Nonlethal options, such as removing or securing attractants and hazing, are recommended before exploring lethal or trapping options.
The commission advises that if coyotes are causing or are about to cause property damage, present a threat to public safety, or are being an annoyance, property owners can trap and release the coyote on the same property or relocate them.
Relocation must be within the county of capture and a minimum of 40 contiguous acres. Also, the releaser must have written permission from the owner of the release site, and the transportation of the wildlife cannot violate any rabies alerts or area quarantines issued by a county health department or county animal services.
More information about coyotes from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission can be found here.
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