Coyotes in St. Pete Beach?

A St. Pete Beach official said earlier this month he'd heard more talk about coyotes in the community than he had at any time in his four years in office.

City commissioner Jim Parent said at the Feb. 12 meeting he had several communications that week about coyotes, the Beach Beacon reports.

If you see a coyote, authorities suggest that you make a loud noise to scare it away — yell, clap, spray it with a water hose, honk, or bang pots and pans if you have to — and then report it online to Pinellas County.

Have you spotted coyotes in your neighborhood? Post a comment below and let everyone know where.

If a coyote will not leave when you make a loud noise and it is an imminent threat, Pinellas County officials advise to call 911, a Pinellas County official recommends in an informational video.

"While in the past there was a wildlife officer to which this removal would be assigned, Animal Services has since eliminated the wildlife officer position," the Pinellas County website states.

Pinellas County also warns residents not to leave pet food or trash outside because it attracts coyotes. Here are some additional tips for keeping you and your pets safe from coyotes.

"The long-term solution requires public education, changes in residents’ behavior and in some situations, the means to remove individual offending animals."

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