If you own a dog, cat or other pet on Isle of Palms, be aware that it could easily be a victim of prey. Police have reported five coyote attacks on dogs so far this year, noting an increase over recent years.
“However, in these cases, it’s our understanding that the dogs were off leash and either chased the coyote or ran towards the coyote,” said IOP Police Department Sgt. Matt Storen.
Police Chief Kevin Cornett added that while more people are reporting coyote sightings and incidents, “we have not had any reported attacks on a human.”
IOPPD and professionals with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have suggested that the best way to handle an encounter with a coyote is with a healthy dose of caution.
“Coyotes shouldn’t pose any more threat than any other wild animal that one might encounter,” said Jay Butfiloski, a certified wildlife biologist with SCDNR. “Certainly, like any other strange animal, if you encounter one, the best course of action is to slowly back away.”
To help maintain a balance between coyotes, humans and island pets, as of April the city has been working with Critter Control of Charleston to trap errant coyotes and remove them.
“Keep pets on leashes going to and from the beach because the lures we use to attract coyotes will also attract dogs and cats,” said Critter Control owner Kevin Murphy.
Murphy added that island residents should never approach coyotes on their own, given the risk of both physical injury and disease transmission.
“Coyotes will forage in gardens for fruits and vegetables, knock over trash bins looking for meals and eat pet food that’s been left out overnight,” Murphy said. “And they can spread diseases like distemper, hepatitis, mange, rabies and tularemia.”
Cornett stressed the importance of everyone, residents and visitors alike, being aware of their surroundings, especially when walking out to the beaches.
“If you do come across a coyote, make as much noise as possible and make yourself seem bigger than the animal,” Cornett said. “The majority of the time this will scare the coyote away.”
And as Murphy pointed out, these islands coyotes are not just errant or wandering in from the mainland.
“They’re being born and bred right here in the islands and we’re thinking that some of them have interbred with wolves,” Murphy said. “We’ve already caught more than 15 over on Sullivan’s Island.”
Murphy warned that if you should encounter coyotes on beaches, lawns or anywhere in neighborhoods, the best course of action is to “contact professional wildlife control.”
“Since coyotes are largely afraid of humans, attacks are rare, but they do occur,” Murphy added. “And our coyote removal experts can offer tips on how to avoid contact with the animals in the future.”
By L. C. Leach III
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