AUDUBON PARK, Fla. – A resident in Orlando’s Audubon Park neighborhood said she’s recently seen coyotes in the area — and worries about what that could mean for outdoor small pets.
Becky Booker said a neighbor told her a cat was killed by a coyote. “The lady down the street had her cat killed by one,” Booker said.
Booker also shared video showing two coyotes near the intersection of Chelsea Place and Chelsea Street. She said the sightings quickly became a neighborhood conversation — and not everyone agreed on what should happen next.
Some neighbors suggested trying to get rid of the animals. “People saying we need to get rid of them… We’ve got BB guns we can shoot ’em,” Booker recalled, adding she doesn’t support that approach.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says coyotes are present in all 67 Florida counties, and recommends taking steps to reduce the chances of conflict — especially for people with small pets.
FWC advice includes:
- Walk dogs on a short leash in areas where coyotes have been spotted.
- Check fencing to make sure there are no gaps or entry points.
- Keep small pets indoors, particularly in neighborhoods reporting coyote activity.
Booker said she has small pets at home. When asked if her cats and dogs are small, she responded, “Yes, they are.”
FWC says communities dealing with repeated coyote issues can reach out for help. The agency notes that wildlife assistance biologists are available to discuss options with communities experiencing conflicts with coyotes.]