Free meals bringing more coyotes to Wildwood, city officials say

Key points

• Coyotes are becoming increasingly common sightings in Wildwood residential neighborhoods
• Residents feeding coyotes are worsening the problem by encouraging the animals to stay near homes
• City officials are warning against feeding wildlife to reduce human-coyote conflicts
• The issue highlights the importance of responsible wildlife management in residential areas

FAQ

Why are coyotes becoming more common in Wildwood?

Coyotes are attracted to residential areas when residents provide food sources. Feeding them, whether intentionally or through accessible garbage, encourages the animals to remain near homes and become habituated to human presence.

What should residents do if they encounter a coyote?

Residents should not approach or feed coyotes. Instead, they should remove potential food sources, secure garbage, and contact local wildlife authorities or animal control if coyotes pose a safety concern.

Is feeding coyotes legal?

Most municipalities discourage or prohibit feeding wildlife including coyotes, as it creates public safety risks and disrupts natural animal behavior patterns.