ORLANDO, Florida — Residents in an Orange County neighborhood are on edge after a large coyote was caught on camera walking right up to front doors — and it keeps coming back.
The animal has been spotted almost every morning in the Pembrooke subdivision near MetroWest. Neighbors say it also appears as late as 10:30 p.m., crossing backyards toward a nearby condominium community.
One resident began recording the coyote and warned neighbors after realizing it had become a near-daily visitor.
Another neighbor was walking his small dachshund around 10 p.m. when he spotted the animal. He first mistook it for a stray dog. The coyote ran off — then turned back and came within feet of him and his dog.
“I feel like if I were not out here with her, she wouldn’t be with us anymore,” he said. “He was very sizable.”
He and his wife now take their dog out earlier. Several other neighbors said they have done the same.
Why Isn’t the County Removing It?
One resident contacted Orange County hoping for help and was told the county does not handle coyotes.
Orange County Animal Services confirmed coyote calls go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Animal Services only responds if the animal appears sick or injured.
FWC says coyotes are now found in all 67 Florida counties, including suburban neighborhoods. The agency notes that removing a single coyote rarely solves the problem — another animal can move into the same area quickly.
Reducing what attracts them is a more effective long-term approach.
How to Protect Your Pets Right Now
FWC recommends these steps for anyone with pets in the area:
- Keep cats indoors and never let pets roam outside unsupervised
- Walk dogs on a short leash, especially at dawn, dusk, and nighttime
- Check your fence for gaps — coyotes fit through smaller openings than most expect
- Secure garbage cans and keep pet food inside
- Remove fallen fruit and birdseed from your yard
- Never feed coyotes
If a coyote approaches, make loud noise and wave your arms. Do not run. A garden hose can also work as a deterrent.
Contact FWC if the animal is behaving aggressively or approaching people closely.
Do you live near this neighborhood? Have you spotted this coyote near your home? Drop a comment below — your neighbors may need the warning.