A Village of Belle Aire man pleaded with Community Development District 3 supervisors Friday morning for help with a coyote problem.
Gene Ricca in August had taken his morkie named Ben, outside prior to bedtime. While standing in his front yard the dog was suddenly snatched by a coyote.
On Friday morning, Ricca appealed to CDD 3 supervisors.
But there isn’t much that can be done.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has indicated to District Property Manager Sam Wartinbee that it will not set up traps for coyotes.
“We are aware of it and we sympathize with homeowners,” Wartinbee said in response to Ricca’s plea.
He also said he has received numerous complaints about coyotes.
“I have gotten more communication about coyotes over the past two months than I have over the past 20 years,” he said.
CDD 3 Supervisor Gail Lazenby said he had heard from two residents of Restin Drive, also in the Village of Belle Aire, who said they had seen coyotes. He said at least one resident has started taking along a walking stick in case a coyote gets too close.
CDD 3 supervisors indicated Ricca has the right to set up a trap on his private property.
They asked Ricca what he would do with the coyote if he caught it.
“Shoot it,” Ricca replied.
