It's not werewolves in London, but it is coyotes in Gainesville, and for some residents on Hogtown Creek, they are seeing increasing activity from the animals that live and hunt along the city's main waterway, which stretches from Koppers to the Kanapaha basin. (more...) Also see map

TIPS AND FACTS

List of recent coyote attacks on people in North America:

Oct. 21, 2010 - The Boston Globe reported that a man in his 50s told police he had been bitten by a coyote.

Oct. 19, 2010 - An Ohio woman who had fallen off of her mobility scooter and was stuck outside all night with her dog said she and her dog were attacked by either a coyote or a wild dog.

Aug. 30, 2010 - A police officer in western Pennsylvania shot a coyote as it was about to attack his partner.

June 1010 - In Rye, N.Y., a 3-year-old girl and her father were bitten by a coyote days after a 6-year-old girl was attacked by two coyotes.

Feb. 2010 - In New Brunswick, Canada, a woman walking her puppy was attacked.

Oct. 28, 2009 - A 19-year-old Toronto woman was killed while hiking in Nova Scotia.

May 2008 - In China Hills, Calif., a coyote bit and tried to drag off a 2-year-old child. In that same area, four children were bitten, and one child was attacked twice in a nine-month period.Source: Various news media reports

To keep coyotes out of your yard, remove attractants like:
- Pets.
- Pet food.
- Compost piles.
- Uncleaned barbecue grills.
Source: Eric Dennis, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wildlife assistance biologist

To see a list of trappers on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
TIPS ON CO-EXISTING WITH WILDLIFE

- First, before cutting down or pruning trees and shrubs, check very carefully for newborn wildlife. You could unintentionally destroy a nest by trimming branches too closely or destroy the habitats provided in the tree.

- Next, never feed wildlife. Natural diets are always more nutritious for wildlife than human food. In order to avoid unnatural increases of certain animal groups, do not feed wild animals such as raccoons, deer and alligators. Unnatural concentrations of animals in close proximity might increase their risk of contracting and spreading diseases, might embolden them to attack pets or humans, and can lure them to cross dangerous roads.

- Because many birds and animals depend on insects and vegetation in and around our backyards, limiting the use of insecticides and herbicides can help protect the health of Florida's wildlife as well as its fragile water resources.

- Never litter. Wildlife easily can become entangled or trapped in man-made products such as plastic, fishing line, cans, jars and bottles. Struggling to free themselves from such entrapment’s, animals often are seriously or fatally injured. Similarly, animals can mistake plastic items for food, the ingestion of which results over time in lethal blockages and starvation.

- Always keep in mind that it is a crime to harass, harm or possess Florida's wildlife. Enjoy observing wild animals in their natural surroundings, but don't try to touch them.
Source: Florida Wildlife Care