Caution: Coyote Sightings Increasing in Fairway Cove
File Photo (2024)
Fairway Cover homeowners, especially pet owners, are encouraged to be cautious due to an increasing number of sightings of coyotes.
For many years, there has been a known coyote colony in the area between Fairway Cove and MetroWest Golf Course.
At least two homeowners have reported seeing a coyote during the daytime in the last several weeks. There have not been any reports of aggressive behavior, people/pet attacks, etc.
Coyotes are often found throughout Orange County and the state of Florida. Coyotes play an important part in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by consuming rodents and other small animals, as well as insects.
Though populations exist near humans, coyotes are typically fearful of human interactions and shy away from encounters.
Coyotes may encourage into populated areas when there is a readily available food source, with unattended pet food left outside being one of the main attractants. Pet animals left outside unattended may become a food source for coyotes.
Prevention
To prevent conflicts with coyotes and better coexist with this species, Orlando residents should follow these tips provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
Keep pets in enclosed areas and walk dogs on a short leash
Secure garbage cans and clean up uneaten pet food and fallen fruit
Secure livestock in predator-resistant enclosures
Don't feed the coyotes. It's illegal as they will lose their fear of humans
The average Florida coyote weighs about 28 pounds and has a paw track of about two inches long.
Coyote Encounters
If a coyote is encountered in your neighborhood, hazing the animal can be an effective way to ensure it does not return. Examples of effective coyote hazing methods provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are:
Yelling and waving your arms while approaching the coyote
Noisemakers: Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, soda cans filled with pennies or dead batteries, pots and pans banged together
Projectiles: sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls, rubber balls
Other: hoses, water guns with vinegar water, spray bottles with vinegar water, pepper spray, bear repellant, walking sticks
If you encounter a coyote here in Orlando, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888.404.3922.
