Coyotes

A coyote on the road.
 

Found throughout the state, 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 encroach into human inhabited 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 the coyotes should the situation arise.

Coyotes in Florida

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:

  1. Keep pets in enclosed areas and walk dogs on a short leash
  2. Secure garbage cans and clean up uneaten pet food and fallen fruit
  3. Secure livestock in predator-resistant enclosures
  4. 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.

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.

Learn more about coyotes

Contact Us

Daniel Friedline - Sustainability Project Manager
Livability and Local Food
daniel.friedline@orlando.gov

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