Coyote facts you should know: 1 - 1 = "More pups!"

By John Carr

Kathy Russell. Greenway Supervisor

December 10, 2017 6:12 p.m.

"If we kill every one we see, we will be able to kill them off. Again, not so. The coyotes breed once per year with pup counts of from 2 to 6 per litter. The size of the litter is often determined by hunting pressure. More hunting, more pups."

For those who were not able to attend the Wild Nights presentation by FWC’s Sarah Helm a couple of weeks ago, we need to be aware of coyotes and their interaction with people. Because they have no predators, coyotes have been extending their range to the east. Since the red wolf population was killed off in the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian mountains coyotes have started to move east. Mind you, a large coyote is a little over 40 pounds. In Florida they average about 31 pounds about 1/3 the size of a German Shepard.

Popular myths:

Misconception #1 – Coyotes hunt in packs. Not so. They do hunt in family groups which may have two adults, one or two yearlings, and several pups.

Misconception #2 – They are an unchallenged predator in our area. Coyotes are hunted as pest/invasives throughout the state. In areas of joint habitation with Florida Cougars, the coyotes are the prey. Local law enforcement has issued tips on how to harvest them in the city.

Misconception #3 – If we kill every one we see, we will be able to kill them off. Again, not so. The coyotes breed once per year with pup counts of from 2 to 6 per litter. The size of the litter is often determined by hunting pressure. More hunting, more pups. Coyotes have very strong territorial habits. If an adult is removed from its territory, which it has been protecting, there is a good chance from 1 to 3 adults will immediately move in to claim the unprotected area.

• Things to know:

  Coyotes are very smart. They have been in Nassau County since the early 1980s. Their sources of food range from trash, food left unattended for pets, restaurant bins, and even insects.

• They will help maintain deer herd population by hunting down the week, old, young, or any other unable to defend itself, not healthy deer 3 or 4 times their size..
• They will help normalize the feral cat populations in the area by hunting them as prey.
• Most of their hunting is at night.
• Small dogs on long leashes are possible prey. If walking them in a suspect area, reduce the leash length to about 6 feet. Thus your body incorporates the pet and makes for a bigger “prey”.
• A fence is adequate if it is tall enough to keep the coyote from getting his paws above the top of the fence.
• You are bigger than a coyote! If you see one in your area, the easy way to dispatch him is to raise your arms above your head and run AT THE COYOTE. Even a small person is 3 or 4 times larger than a coyote.
• There is no evidence of coyotes breeding with domestic animals.
• Brochures on how to live with coyotes are now available at the Atlantic Ave. Rec. Center

I have included the names and emails of those who can be called or e-mailed to get answers to questions.

John Carr (904) 206-0379 or jmcarr63@bellsouth.net

Sarah Helm (386) 758-0525 or sarah.helm@myfwc.com

Kathy Russell (904) 310-3363 or krussell@fbfl.org

Editor's Note: John Carr spends part of his retirement years as a volunteer for the Egans Creek Greenway. We thank John for his contribution to the community and the Fernandina Observer.