The Dunedin Nature Center offers this information in response to recent coyote sightings around Dunedin.

Where did the coyotes come from?

Once strictly a western species, coyotes began expanding eastward with the decline of wolves in the U.S.Coyotes first appeared in northwestern Florida in the 1970s, and now occur all over the state.

What do they eat?

Much like pigs, coyotes will eat just about anything. Their diet consists of whatever is easiest to find or catch-rodents, rabbits, fruits, insects, birds and carrion are their preferred food, but they will turn to cats, small dogs and small livestock if nothing else is available.

Where do they live?

About the only place coyotes will not live is in densely populated cities. In Dunedin, they have mostly been sighted near wooded areas, such as the Hammock and the Jerry Lake preserve. Depending on the amount of food available, a coyote needs at least 1,500 acres to survive. Since Dunedin comprises only around 5,400 acres, the population of the animals should be limited.

Coyote facts and habits?

Coyotes in Florida weigh between 24 to 37 pounds-larger than foxes but smaller than wolves. They rarely run in packs and have litters that average six pups each. They make their dens in hollow logs, abandoned animal burrows and in dense vegetation. Juveniles are separated from their mothers at nine to ten months old, and establish their lives in other territories.

Are coyotes dangerous to people?

Coyotes are afraid of people, and attacks are rare. Data show only 16 reports of attacks on people in the past 30 years. Most of these attacks occurred in western states and were the result of people trying to feed coyotes. In Florida, only one attack has ever been reported, occurring in northern Florida in 1996. By comparison, since 1995 over 12,000 attacks on people have been reported in Pinellas County alone, by domestic dogs.

How can I keep coyotes away?

Never feed a coyote. Do not feed pets outside, where their food might attract a coyote. Do not allow pets to run free (remember, there are leash laws in effect for both cats and dogs!). If you see a coyote, yell, throw rocks, sticks, etc. This will keep them afraid of humans. Eliminate bird see spilled around feeders-this attracts rodents, which in turn attracts coyotes. Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.

Can we eliminate coyotes?

Coyotes appear to be here to stay. When the coyote population becomes low in an area, through hunting or trapping, the species produces more young. Studies indicate that it would require removing nearly 70% of the species each year to achieve a constant population reduction. Coyotes are not a protected species in Florida, so it is legal to kill or trap them at any time of the year, provided all state and local hunting, trapping and firearms regulations are obeyed. It is illegal in Florida to use poison to kill coyotes or any animals other than rats.