Coyotes are becoming growing problem for residents and visitors, Isle of Palms local leaders taking actions

Isle of Palms, South Carolina – Coyotes are a type of wild canid that can be found throughout the United States. They are generally shy and elusive animals that tend to avoid humans, but encounters between coyotes and people are becoming increasingly common, particularly in urban areas where coyotes have learned to adapt to human habitats.

While coyotes are not typically aggressive towards humans, they can be dangerous under certain circumstances. Coyotes have been known to attack small pets, such as cats and small dogs, and may occasionally attack humans, particularly young children.

Encounters with coyotes have become more frequent on the Isle of Palms in recent years, and although no major incidents have occurred, local residents and visitors should be aware of this trend and know how to behave in such cases. That’s why the local police decided to step forward and inform everyone what people should do if they see a coyote while outside.

In most cases, coyotes are seen at night, especially in the period between January and March, which is considered coyote mating season. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, coyote incidents are not very common, but in several cases in the past, coyotes have attacked people. Some of these incidents, unfortunately, resulted in death.

Young children appear to be the most vulnerable in the event of a coyote attack. Coyotes can also get sick with rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, heartworm, and mange, among other things.

Agents from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are expected to arrive in Isle of Palms next week and meet with the local police department on Wednesday at 5 p.m. to discuss what actions should be taken in the upcoming period. The meeting is set to take place at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department, located at 24 28th Ave.

Coyotes have been most frequently seen in the northern tip of the island, particularly in areas with little human activity.However, in case of a coyote encounter, residents and visitors are asked to immediately call the police. People are highly advised to remain calm, keep their distance, and never approach or try to feed a coyote.

“What we do is we ask our residents or people who are visiting at the beach, when the see a coyote, we call it hazing and its really just making a lot of noise, you know, whistles, clap type noises where you smack your hands, or just making loud noises in general,” Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett said. “The thing to remember is coyotes are really afraid of humans.”

Everyone is invited to join next week’s meeting at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department. Those who will attend the event will be given a brochure with additional information.