Limping Coyote Spotted Near Pompano Beach Neighborhood; Experts Urge Caution

Residents of the Palm Aire neighborhood in Pompano Beach were taken aback this week when a limping coyote was observed wandering through the area.

 

Jaxson Deiter and his mother encountered the animal while driving along Lyons Road.

 

"I saw it and thought it was a dog at first," Jaxson recalled.

 

"I said, 'Mom, there's a dog.' She responded, 'That's not a dog; that's a coyote.'"

 

His mother, Kristen Deiter, added, "That's the first coyote I've seen. I hear about them all the time on the apps, but that's actually the first one I've seen."

 

Wildlife expert Ron Magill from Zoo Miami emphasized that while the sighting might be unsettling, there's no need for alarm.

 

"Do not get this vision in your mind, you know, like a pack of wolves coming at you. That couldn't be any further from the truth," Magill stated.

 

He highlighted the ecological role of coyotes, noting, "Listen, coyotes do a very important job in reducing vermin like rodents, rats, mice, things like iguanas."

 

Magill pointed out that urban development in South Florida has led to increased coyote sightings as these adaptable animals adjust to new environments.

 

"They are very adaptable animals. That area, that's a golf course type of community that is just beautiful habitat for coyotes. They can adjust everything from, you know, very urban to very suburban," he explained.

 

However, he cautioned pet owners to remain vigilant.

 

"If you have things like pet cats, you cannot let your pet cats roam free. Coyotes will effectively search out cats and kill them. They will go after small dogs. So if you're walking your dog, make sure you're walking your dog on a leash, especially if it's a small dog," Magill warned.

 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises residents to secure potential food sources to deter coyotes.

 

This includes securing garbage cans, removing fallen fruit, and feeding pets indoors.

 

They also recommend keeping small pets indoors or in enclosed areas, especially during the night, dusk, and dawn when coyotes are most active.

 

For more information on coexisting with coyotes and ensuring community safety, residents can visit the FWC's official website.

 

By taking these precautions, the community can safely coexist with local wildlife.