Coyotes sightings are becoming an increasingly common event around the Charlotte region, although, until recently, attacks on people have been almost unheard of.
According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, there have not been any recorded attacks in North Carolina until nine-year-old Madilyn Fowler was attacked outside of her home in Davie County about 9 weeks ago.
This past weekend, a second attack was recorded in the same county;
A father fends off a coyote that attacked his daughter.
It’s the 2nd coyote attack on a human within a 10 mile span.
Why Animal Control officials say coyotes will continue to go after people — tonight on @WCNC pic.twitter.com/pzBbDOiSDY
— Evan West (@TV_Evan) May 22, 2018
Davie County is about an hour north of Charlotte;
Since coyotes are not native to our state, they have become an increasingly invasive species – growing in unsustainable numbers, competing against local foxes and wolves, and killing domesticated animals.
They can now be hunted year-round, even at night using flashlights – they can also be legally trapped from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. North Carolina even hosts an annual coyote hunting tournament at the beginning of each year.
Some residents are now equipping their yards with flashing light coyote deterrents, and ultrasonic pest repellers, both of which work on solar power and are motion sensitive.
Officials with the animal control recommend:
▪ Keeping your yard free of any garbage or lingering food smells.
▪ Keep dogs on leashes when walking them, as coyotes are much less likely to approach if a person is nearby.
▪ Look around your backyard for the animals before you let the dogs out.
▪ If you encounter a coyote, back away slowly while yelling and waving your arms. Don’t run.
▪ Call 911 if you are being threatened by coyotes or other animals.
Have you seen any coyotes around your property?