Charleston Residents on High Alert After Coyote Encounters
Charleston, SC – Just last week, early riser Jill Asmer was out for her morning stroll with her golden retriever, Lucky, when her routine took a surprising turn. The Wagener Terrace neighborhood, usually bustling with families and friendly faces, suddenly became the stage for an unexpected encounter with wildlife. Around 7 a.m. on September 30, Asmer and Lucky came face-to-face with a coyote that darted out from between two houses. What initially seemed like a black cat in the coyote’s mouth quickly transformed into a scene that left Asmer and her neighbors astonished.
As the coyote paused, it dropped what turned out to be a mangled set of dog legs, making it clear that this wasn’t just a wild animal passing by. “It really hijacked my day,” Asmer shared. “I can’t get it out of my head.” The coyote then trotted down Parrothead Lane, leaving a disturbed group of residents in its wake.
A Rising Concern in the Community
Asmer’s experience isn’t an isolated incidence. Over the past month, residents in Wagener Terrace have noticed a concerning trend. Alicia Lutz recently unearthed a half-eaten cat in her backyard, followed by another unfortunate discovery just a week later. The ongoing coyote sightings have put many community members on edge, prompting parents to be more vigilant about letting their children play outside.
Neighbor Tommy Dew, a long-time resident, remarked that though coyotes have always been present in the area, the recent wave of pet losses marks a disturbing change. “What’s new is finding eviscerated bodies,” he noted. Although coyotes are not native to South Carolina, they now roam freely in every county, having been first documented in the state back in 1978.
Preparing for Intervention
Many residents are contemplating solutions. Prioleau Alexander suggested a more drastic approach on social media, hinting at potential hunting methods. “They’re going to have to eradicate (the coyote population) or live with the problem,” he stated. While his approach may not be the most popular, it reflects the growing frustration among residents. For those worried about their pets and the safety of their children, the need for action has become paramount.
Local wildlife authorities have weighed in on this matter. Jay Butfiloski, with the state’s Department of Natural Resources, emphasized that coyotes are clever creatures but usually steer clear of humans. Still, he advised residents to make their presence known if they come across one. “Don’t turn and run,” he advised. Instead, treat these encounters as if dealing with a strange dog.
Staying Safe and Being Proactive
To mitigate the risk, Butfiloski suggests a number of precautions. Keeping small pets indoors at night, removing outdoor food sources like bird feeders, and clearing dense brush from yards can all help deter coyotes from venturing too close. The state has launched a Coyote Harvest Incentive Program offering rewards for anyone who participates in controlling the coyote population. Since its inception in 2016, this program has tagged and released 128 coyotes, and 65 have since been killed.
While some residents may be considering extreme measures, the reality is that ensuring safety in the Wagener Terrace neighborhood begins at home. Community members are coming together to discuss ways to protect their furry friends while also maintaining harmony with nature.
Tackling the Wildlife Issue Together
The presence of coyotes may be causing stress and unease among the residents, but it’s also opening the floor for discussions about wildlife management and community safety. Moving forward, Charleston’s residents will need to rally together to share resources, strategies, and support each other in navigating this unexpected challenge.
As the community adapts, let’s hope for peaceful and uneventful walks ahead, where Lucky can simply chase squirrels instead of dodging coyotes!
