The increasing development of metropolitan areas across the United States has led to more frequent interactions between people and native wildlife. Orlando, like many major cities, is a complex mosaic of residential areas, commercial centers, and natural habitats. This blending of environments means residents must now share the landscape with highly adaptable species, including the coyote, which has successfully colonized the urban ecosystem.
Confirming Their Presence in Central Florida
Coyotes are established throughout all 67 counties of Florida, including the Orlando area. This widespread distribution is the result of a natural range expansion that saw the canines move eastward and southward from the Great Plains. State agencies, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), consider the coyote a naturalized species and a permanent feature of the local fauna.
Their expansion was aided by their ability to thrive in diverse habitats, from rural woodlands to dense urban centers. Central Florida, with its mix of green spaces and residential developments, provides suitable territory. Development often displaces coyotes, causing them to move into neighborhoods in search of new resources, which is why management focuses on coexistence rather than population reduction.
Understanding Coyote Behavior and Urban Habits
The coyote’s success in urban settings is directly linked to its opportunistic and highly adaptable nature. They are habitat generalists, utilizing nearly all available environments, including the suburbs and parks of Orange County. Their diet reflects this adaptability, consisting of small mammals like rodents, insects, fruits, and readily available human-provided food sources.
Coyotes are typically most active during the crepuscular hours of dusk and dawn, though it is not uncommon to see them during the day as well. The presence of food sources like unsecured garbage, compost piles, and pet food left outdoors will draw them directly into residential areas.
This regular access to easy meals can cause coyotes to lose their natural fear of humans, a process known as habituation. The average adult coyote in Florida weighs between 20 and 35 pounds and establishes a home range that may be smaller in urban areas due to the concentrated availability of resources. They may also use sheltered spots like dense shrubs, drainage pipes, or crawl spaces under porches for resting or raising their litters.
Strategies for Safe Coexistence and Prevention
Minimizing encounters with coyotes relies on removing the attractants that draw them into close proximity with people and pets. Residents must secure all potential outdoor food sources to discourage the animals from associating neighborhoods with easy meals. This includes ensuring garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and are only placed at the curb on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
Pet food should never be left outside, and any fallen fruit from trees must be promptly collected. Protecting pets, particularly small dogs and outdoor cats, is a primary concern, as coyotes naturally prey on smaller animals. All cats should be kept indoors, and dogs must be walked on a short, non-retractable leash, especially during the high-activity hours of dusk and dawn.
If a coyote is sighted in a yard or close to people, the FWC recommends a strategy called “hazing” to restore their natural wariness. Hazing involves using non-lethal deterrents to frighten the animal away and reinforce its fear of humans. Techniques include:
- Yelling and waving arms.
- Using noisemakers like air horns or shaking cans filled with pebbles.
- Throwing small objects toward the animal.
This aggressive, yet harmless, demonstration teaches the coyote that entering a residential space is an unpleasant experience. If a coyote exhibits aggressive behavior, or if a person is bitten, residents should immediately contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline for professional assistance.