Are there coyotes in Florida?

The Commission, known as the FWC, is the state agency that manages fish and wildlife. It says coyotes came to Florida on their own, as their range spread from the western states, and they now live in every state except Hawaii. Adults in Florida weigh 20 to 35 pounds on average. They live in rural, suburban and some city areas.

Unprovoked coyote attacks on people are very rare. Cats that roam free are at high risk, and coyote attacks on dogs and cats have been reported in Florida. The FWC says to keep cats indoors and to walk small dogs on a leash shorter than six feet, especially at dawn, at dusk and at night. Do not leave pet food or unsecured garbage outside. Feeding coyotes is illegal, and the FWC says coyotes that are fed lose their fear of people.

If a coyote comes toward you, shout and wave your arms, or use a noisemaker such as an air horn. Do not go near a coyote that looks hurt or sick.

The FWC says moving coyotes to another place has proven to be a poor way to cut their numbers. Coyotes may be hunted or trapped on private land all year, and a landowner can hire a professional trapper. Steel traps need an FWC permit. The FWC does not license nuisance wildlife trappers, but it keeps a list of trappers who have registered with it.

To report a coyote attack or encounter, call your nearest FWC regional office or 888-404-3922. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services program also helps with wildlife trapping at 866-487-3297.

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