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Wildlife authorities address coyote concerns

coyotes

A Central Florida animal trapper says development is pushing coyotes into urban areas.

Wildlife authorities will hold a public meeting Thursday in Orlando to address concerns about the animals.

Coyotes have been a problem especially in College Park and Winter Park, where residents say they're attacking pets like cats and small dogs.

Wayne Salicrup of Trapline Wildlife Services says he just removed seven coyotes from Winter Park and now is trying to trap two in College Park.

"One particular lady was telling me that she let her dog out in the morning to  use the bathroom, and she went in to grab a mug of coffee, and when she came back out the coyote was already making it over the fence with the dog."

That was in Windermere.

Coyotes are found throughout Florida. Most attacks occur at night or at dusk or dawn. Residents are advised to keep an eye on their pets and keep them on short leashes.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold the meeting with local government representatives. It's at 5:30 p.m. at the Orange County Administration Building.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.