There have been several coyote sightings in Palmetto Bay over the past months. Several residents have seeing the illusive mammals roaming Palmetto Bay streets.
Palmetto Bay resident Sandi Dunmann confirmed that she had spotted a coyote in her neighborhood. Residents, like Mrs. Dunmann, have expressed concern over the safety of their small pets.
Mayor Flinn has received several reports of animals being removed. "We've had a few incidents of people observing actual cats being taken", indicated Mayor Flinn to
NBC Channel 6
. Mayor Flinn has documented the sightings in his personal blog and has invited representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) to head an informational workshop to discuss how residents can coexist with coyotes and also present valuable biological information on these species.
According to the FWC, there have been 67 documented cases of coyotes found throughout the state. The agency is looking to provide guidance to avoid conflict with the wildlife and to ensure the safety of the residents and the animals. The story has also been featured in
this Miami Herald article
.