Coyotes Stir Alarm in Charleston Neighborhoods as Residents Rally for Safety Measures

Coyotes Spotted in Charleston: Community Gears Up for Safety Measures

Charleston, S.C. has recently sparked concerns among its residents as coyote sightings have been reported in neighborhoods like Wagener Terrace and Lowndes Pointe. For those living in these areas, the presence of these wild animals has raised questions about safety, especially concerning pets.

A Shocking Encounter

This all became a hot topic one Monday morning for Jill Asmer and her golden retriever, Lucky. Jill, a long-time resident of 16 years, started her day just like any other, but her morning walk took a surprising turn. “A coyote ran out onto the street, in front of us. Probably 15 feet away from me,” she shared, still shaken by the incident.

Before this encounter, Jill said she had never seen a coyote in her neighborhood and speculated they might just be passing through from the surrounding marshlands. “It turned and stared at me; I think we shocked it,” Jill continued, “but it had a dead animal in its mouth. Thinking that is someone’s pet who has been lost… it is super disturbing to look at or even think about.”

Community Concerns

It seems Jill isn’t alone in her worries. The Wagener Terrace Neighborhood Association, although not officially tracking coyote numbers, has noted through conversations with neighbors that several pets have gone missing. Distressingly, they have reported three confirmed pet deaths alongside another pet injury, which adds to the overall anxiety in the area.

Lisa Bonnerot, the administrator of the Patrick Veterinary Clinic nearby, hasn’t reported anything alarming but is aware of the situation developing within the community. Perhaps more unsettling, resident Daniel Atwell first noticed something amiss with his security lights back in August, which often flickered due to coyotes wandering along the marsh’s edge behind his home. “I didn’t report anything because I thought it was nature being active at night,” he explained. “I never would have imagined them eating dogs, cats, pets.”

Staying Vigilant

As the coyote activity began to escalate, Daniel became more cautious with his family’s safety. “I have a puppy and I come out to let her out in the middle of the night,” he said. “I bring a flashlight to make sure there’s nothing there. More times than not, there’s a coyote either stalking in the corner or crossing through our yard.” This feeling of unease has become shared among families in the area, many now keeping their dogs on leashes, even in their backyards.

Guidance and Recommendations

According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, managing coyote populations primarily falls to property owners and homeowners associations. They do not routinely trap nuisance wildlife and suggest several precautions for residents. These include keeping pets indoors at night, ensuring that food bowls left outside are empty, and walking pets in open areas on short leashes. Additionally, it’s wise to seal trash bins and limit feeding feral cats nearby.

“We’re nervous to let our kids out on the evenings on their own,” said one concerned parent. “We’re basically keeping them on leash in our backyards.” This sentiment of fear resonates strongly within the community. Some residents have even pondered taking personal safety measures, like carrying pepper spray during outdoor excursions.

Community Meeting on the Horizon

As the coyote sightings become increasingly concerning, the Wagener Terrace Neighborhood Association plans to hold a community meeting on Oct. 21. This meeting aims to create a formal plan addressing coyote sightings and advocating for better control measures across the upper peninsula. Meanwhile, the Lowndes Pointe HOA remains quiet on the topic, though attention on coyote control is necessary for the peace of mind of residents.

The City of Charleston has confirmed they are in touch with a trapper to expedite the response to problem areas. As residents prepare for the upcoming community meeting, there’s a palpable sense of urgency in addressing these wildlife encounters that have suddenly invaded their neighborhood serene.