Siesta Key residents are on high alert following a series of recent coyote attacks and sightings, including one that led to the death of a small dog. The incidents have prompted a community-wide discussion on safety, with some neighbors and leaders describing the situation as reaching crisis levels.

Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) met with residents on Monday to provide information and address concerns about coyote encounters, focusing on strategies to protect themselves, their children, and their pets.

Michael Hancock, the owner of Coco—the dog that was killed—shared his heartbreaking story to raise awareness and seek solutions to the coyote problem. “I thought Coco was chasing a rat or something and I said to her ‘Coco come back here, leave him alone,’ because she was a little ‘Morkie’, but she thought she was tough,” Hancock recounted.

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However, it soon became clear that it wasn’t a rat Coco was chasing. “I looked off, and there was a coyote with Coco in its mouth, and the coyote was about the size of a good-sized German Shepherd, all scraggly looking,” he explained. “The coyote took off up the street, so I chased them, got the car, and saw there were two of them passing her back and forth.”

By the time Hancock reached the coyotes, it was too late for Coco. She was one of at least three dogs attacked by coyotes in the area. “I felt guilty because I didn’t protect her well enough,” Hancock said. “They just dropped her in someone’s front yard, and I picked her up and carried her back, apologizing all the way.”

The incident occurred in mid-September, but coyote sightings have increased since recent hurricanes. “They’ve exhausted their food source, so now they’re wandering into neighborhoods looking for things to eat,” Hancock added. “It could just as easily have been a small child.”

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During the meeting with FWC officials, residents suggested solutions such as placing coyote warning signs, similar to those for alligators. The FWC presentation, titled “Living with Coyotes,” was hosted by the Siesta Key Association and provided comprehensive information on coyote behavior, safety protocols, and strategies for minimizing conflicts.

“We are right on the verge of a crisis and we’ve got to do something about it,” said Sarasota County Commissioner Mike Smith. “It’s going to get to a point where someone’s child gets hurt or worse, and then we’ll do something. Let’s act before it becomes a crisis.”

Hancock emphasized the need for community awareness: “I’m hoping everyone knows there’s a pack of 50 coyotes about a mile from here, wandering into the neighborhood.”

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Officials remind residents that this area is a natural habitat for coyotes and that they should remain vigilant while outdoors, especially with small children and pets.

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(Image credit: Patch Florida)