Page 6 - PGA Community News - December '20

Page 6, PGA C.A.N.! December 2020 December 2020

Northern Notes

Living With Coyotes Where coyote encounters occur regularly, walk pets at
other times besides nighttime hours, dusk and dawn. Carry
By Katie Roundtree, something that will make noise or scare the animal, such as
Finance Director, Northern a solid walking stick or golf club. These things may deter
Palm Beach County the coyote at close range. Make a “coyote shaker” by putting
Improvement District a few washers, pebbles or pennies into an empty soft drink
Local news recently can. Wrap the can in foil and tape closed.
ran a segment on coyote Myths About Coyotes
sightings in the Palm Beach Coyotes Are Extremely Dangerous: False!
area and residents in our There have been very few reported cases of Eastern
area have commented on coyotes biting people. The coyote’s innate fear of humans
coyote sightings in the past, tends to keep them from getting too close.
especially around dusk Coyotes Are A New Problem: False!
and dawn. The following Coyotes have been in Florida for many years and
information is from a publication by the Florida Fish will continue to make their homes around the state. This
and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the medium-sized predator is extremely adaptable, thriving in
University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural urban, suburban and rural areas.
Sciences. It provides information on coyotes and their Coyotes Need Our Help To Survive: False!
interaction with people. People like to feed animals. However, by providing a
Living With Coyotes “free lunch” for coyotes, you eliminate their natural fear
Coyotes are found throughout Florida. This adaptable of humans and increase their populations. Remember … a
animal belongs to the dog family and resembles a small fed coyote causes problems. Keep them wild!
German shepherd. In Florida, coyotes typically weigh Coyotes Can Be Totally Eliminated: False!
between 15 to 30 pounds. They have pointed ears, a Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective
narrow muzzle and a bushy tail. Males tend to be larger Be aware of unusual coyote behavior. Examples of method to control populations. They compensate by
than females. Coyote fur is usually grayish-brown but unusual coyote behavior include coyotes approaching increasing litter size and new coyotes move into areas where
occasionally is black. When running, the coyote usually people, stalking pets, chasing joggers or bikers or attacking others have been removed. Populations can quickly return
holds its tail at “half mast” or straight out behind it, unlike leashed pets. to original size.
most domestic dogs. Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds. Coyotes NPDES tip: Please pick up after your pet. When pet
The scientific name of the coyote, Canis latrans, and other animals use such areas for resting and raising waste is washed into lakes or canals the waste decays, using
literally means “barking dog.” Coyotes use a variety of young. up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia. Low oxygen
vocalizations such as barking like dogs, but most often Teach children to recognize and not to run from coyotes. levels and ammonia combined with warm temperatures can kill
they are heard making shrill yips and howls. Howling If children are approached, have them move slowly into a fish. Pet waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed and
is often a group effort that begins as a simple howl, but house or climb up on a swing, tree or deck and yell. algae growth. Overly fertile water becomes cloudy and green –
quickly increases into a series of group howls and high- Educate your neighbors. Ask them to follow these same unattractive for boating and fishing. Perhaps most importantly,
pitched barks. steps. pet waste carries diseases which make water unsafe.
Coyotes typically are shy and elusive, but they Coexisting With Coyotes This information was produced by the Florida Fish
occasionally can be spotted either alone, in pairs or in Coyotes can be curious but are also timid and generally and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the
small groups where food is readily available. Coyotes run away if challenged. Just remember that any wild University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural
remain active year-round and play an important role in the animal will protect itself or its young. Never initiate a close Sciences (UF/IFAS) for the people of the state of Florida
ecosystem by helping to keep rodent populations under encounter with a coyote. and is reproduced with permission.
control.
Keep Your Pets Safe
Coyotes can and do prey on domestic cats and small
dogs. To protect your pets, don’t allow them to roam
freely. Most coyote attacks on pets occur either at night
or at dusk or dawn. During these times especially, be
careful if you’re walking your pet in wooded areas or in
heavily foliaged areas where coyotes could hide. Keep
your dog close, on a short leash. Keep cats indoors. When
cats wander freely, there’s an increased risk of them being
attacked by coyotes. Coyotes are also attracted to garbage. • Remodels / New Construction / Additions
Problems can be significantly reduced if residents remove
attractants and secure trash. • New Roofs / Roof Replacements
Preventing Problems • Roof Repairs / Roof Leaks
Never feed coyotes! Don’t place food outdoors that will • Gutter Installation / Cleaning
attract wild animals. Clean up pet food, fallen fruit, and seed
around bird feeders. Secure garbage cans and compost in • Damaged / Missing Roof Tiles
animal-proof containers. Don’t try to pet a coyote and teach • Fascia / Soffit Repair
children not to approach any unfamiliar animal. • Pressure Cleaning
Don’t let coyotes intimidate you. Frighten away
coyotes by making loud noises and acting aggressively, • Handyman Services
such as waving your arms in the air, throwing sticks at it • Insurance Estimates / Repairs
or spraying it with a hose. Don’t attempt to hurt it because • Insurance Services for Adjusters / Claims
injured animals are more likely to attack. LEO Roofing & Construction
3804 Burns Road, Suite D
Find us on: Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
P: 561.935.4979 / F: 561.935.9337
Community Outreach Ask us about the Ygrene Federally E: info@leorc.com / W: www.leorc.com
sponsored finance program that
enables you to re-roof and pay over
Hello Neighbors: time with very low interest rates! Florida State Certified
As we all recognize this year has been very difficult Building & Roofing Contractors
for everyone, especially children. Many families for the CBC 1254723 / CCC 1328402
first time have to rely on the help of the community for
assistance. Florida owner and see whAt our Clients hAve to sAy:
In an effort to help families who are having “We love the tiles! They really help this poor old
difficulties this Christmas, we would like to ask anyone local resident for house! Thanks for the upgrade and all your hard
who may have bicycles in their garage, that aren’t being over 20 years work.” - Toni & Jim, WPB
used, to please think about making a child happy this
holiday with a bike. Any condition is acceptable. These Frank Leo “The #1 roofer in Palm Beach County.”
bikes will go to “Jack the Bike Man” to be refurbished - Michael, Jupiter
and distributed to local charities.
Please call Nancy at 561-762-6398 to make Call today for a free estimate! 561-935-4979
arrangements to drop off your bike. Bikes will be
accepted until December 23rd. Major Credit Cards Accepted
We thank you for your help. State Roofing License #CCC1328402 • State Builder License #CBC1254723
Thanks,
Nancy www.LEORC.com
Roofing • Roof Repairs • Remodeling • New Construction • Additions • Insurance Work • Mold Remediation
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