December 5, 2012
The HSUS’ South Florida Wildlife Center Conducts Workshop for Solving Conflicts with Coyotes
Combination of education and innovative coyote hazing allows people, pets and wildlife to peacefully coexist
Due to an increased number of coyote sightings throughout Broward County, Fla., The Humane Society of the United States’ South Florida Wildlife Center, in collaboration with Broward County Animal Care and Adoption, held two workshops featuring successful techniques for humanely resolving conflicts with coyotes.
“The South Florida Wildlife Center took great pride in presenting expert Lynsey White Dasher, renowned urban wildlife specialist from The Humane Society of the United States, as the featured speaker at these workshops,” said Sherry Schlueter, executive director of the SFWC. “Ms. White Dasher presented information on basic coyote ecology and behavior, as well as the most current research findings on the types and causes of conflicts between humans and coyotes.”
The first workshop featured tips for protecting pets from coyotes, reducing coyote attractants in neighborhoods and hazing bold coyotes. Coyote hazing helps restore the fear of humans back into habituated coyotes and involves the systematic use of deterrents including noisemakers, projectiles and water hoses.
“Although coyote conflicts are still relatively rare in Broward County, it’s an excellent idea to take a proactive approach toward educating residents about coyotes,” said Dasher. “Public education and coyote hazing are not only more humane solutions for resolving these conflicts, but they are also more effective and longer-lasting than the proven failures of lethal measures.”
The HSUS held an additional workshop for Broward County animal control and police officers to further train officers in responding to coyote calls and to promote humane deterrents when conflicts arise in urban environments.
“We are excited to partner with The Humane Society of the United States to educate our residents, staff and first responders about coyotes in Broward County,” said Lisa Mendheim, public education coordinator, Broward County Animal Care.
For more information about solving conflicts with coyotes, please visit humanesociety.org/coyotes.
The Humane Society of the United States South Florida Wildlife Center’s mission is Protecting Wildlife through Rescue, Rehabilitation and Education. For hospital admissions, call 954-524-4302, ext. 10; for adoptions, 954-524-4302, ext. 15; to volunteer, call 954-524-4302, ext. 40; to make a donation, 954-524-4302, ext. 52, and to speak with the executive director, 954-524-4302, ext. 16. The SFWC is located at 3200 Southwest Fourth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.
Media Contact: Kaitlin Sanderson: 301-721-6463; firstname.lastname@example.org