Friday, April 23, 2010
The Treasure Island Police Department has received several calls from local residents, reporting a coyote in the Isle of Palms area. Last night, residents reported seeing a coyote in the canal between 8th and 9th streets. Officers responded and observed the animal before it fled the area. Residents called again this morning to report seeing the animal on 7th street near 115th avenue.
Residents should take notice, and safeguard their family pets. At this time, the animal appears to fear human contact and flees when observed. However, caution should be used at all times.
The City is contracting with a wildlife specialist to trap the animal. If you should see the animal, efforts should be made to go inside until it leaves the area. The following is a list of tips to help safeguard your family and pets:
· Keep cats and small dogs indoors. When walking small dogs, always keep them on a leash.
· Coyotes are most active dusk to dawn. Avoid walking pets after dark.
· Bring along pepper spray or a stick in case a coyote gets aggressive. Screaming or yelling and waving arms sometimes won't work on coyotes that have lost their fear of humans.
· Any pet smaller than 45 pounds should never be left outside past 4 p.m.
· Feed pets indoors. Eliminate potential food and water sources such as fallen fruit or vegetables and standing water.
· Store trash in covered, heavy-duty containers.
· Keep yards free of potential hiding places. Remove thick brush and weeds. Enclose the bottoms of porches and decks.
· If you encounter a coyote that behaves aggressively, you have probably gotten too close to its prey or its family. Try to scare the coyote by yelling and waving your arms. Throw rocks, sticks or other objects. Do not turn away and run.
· Do not feed coyotes. Doing so can make them less afraid of humans and potentially more dangerous.
Please contact the Treasure Island Police Department at 727-547-4595 or e-mail police@mytreasureisland.org with the location of any sightings. 
