ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) – Springtime is when coyotes are identified to be essentially the most lively, and officers on the Isle of Palms say the island is experiencing an uptick in sightings and assaults.
The metropolis has employed a trapping service in response to the uptick and 6 traps have been placed on the 34A seaside access.
According to officers, the town is paying $1,650 per 14-day interval for trapping and managing the traps. Isle of Palms Animal Control has additionally placed new signage at a number of seaside access factors the place coyotes have been just lately noticed.
“When you’re walking out to the beach and you come across a coyote, that can be really scary, and we understand that,” Sgt. Matt Storen stated. “We’re working very hard to try and mitigate this but we want people to be aware of their surroundings when they’re walking out to the beach.”
The police division stated to date this yr, they’ve acquired 30 coyote sighting reviews and 5 canine attack reviews, none of which have been deadly, however not everybody reviews when their canine is attacked. Veterinary Emergency Group on Highway 17 simply over the Isle of Palms Connector confirmed that in simply the final month, they’ve handled 5 dogs for coyote assaults.
Lissa Myers lives on the island, and her golden retriever Ollie was attacked simply days in the past.
“What started on 34th and Cameron Blvd, ended on 34th and Hartnett Blvd with him being attacked by six coyotes,” Myers stated. “There was a lot of yelping.”
She stated Ollie was taken to the emergency vet immediately and is doing effectively.
“My son said that some of the coyotes were smaller and two were larger, but it happened so quick and that was the scary part about it,” Myers stated. “Obviously it was scary that it happened to our dogs but it was really traumatizing for my son.”
Island police stated coyotes are good, however they’re afraid of people, so in case you come throughout one, you’ll want to turn into the intimidator to scare it off.
“Don’t turn your back on the animal, make as much noise as possible,” Sgt. Matt Storen stated. “Be aggressive towards the animal, most of the time the coyote will run away from the human.”
Myers stated she is grateful for the efforts being taken to maintain folks and animals protected however needs to see extra aggressive trapping and he or she plans to be a voice in making that occur.
“I just really want them to do the research and put in their best efforts to aggressively come at this instead of slowly because our kids and our dogs are worth it,” Myers stated. “Right now, I feel like not enough has been done.”
On Wednesday the town’s solely animal management officer labored his final day on the job to maneuver to a different state, however the metropolis stated they’re within the means of hiring a brand new animal management officer.
If you see a coyote, you’re requested to name the Isle of Palms police administration line at 843-886-6522. To report an attack on an animal or human, name 911 instantly.
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