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Increased Coyote Sightings and Encounters

Increased Coyote Sightings and Encounters

Ensuring public safety is the Isle of Palms Police Department's top priority. The City has taken proactive measures to address the situation in response to recent coyote incidents in our city. This includes working with a professional trapping service to attempt to capture coyotes and mitigate the risk of further incidents, increasing signage, and public education efforts to raise awareness of the presence of coyotes in the area.

Additionally, any resident wishing to place traps on their property is allowed to do so by contacting a licensed trapping company. 

We remain committed to protecting our community and will continue to closely monitor the situation to safeguard the well-being of our citizens. 

As always, we ask that anyone walking in the areas where signage has been placed remain cautious of the presence of coyotes. We encourage any sighting of coyotes to be reported to our admin line at 843-886-6522 so that we can have as much data as possible to share with our trapper. If a coyote attacks a human or animal, immediately report it by calling 911. 

Be Coyote Smart!

Residents and Visitors play an important role in the City's Coyote Management Plan.

Don't attract coyotes to human spaces with food!

  • Don't leave pet food outside
  • Make sure trash is secure
  • Protect compost piles and gardens
  • Don't leave fruit from trees on the ground
  • Reduce yard rodents by eliminating woodpiles, trimming bushes and bringing in bird feeders at night

Keep pets safe

  • Keep cats indoors as much as possible
  • Keep dogs leashed on neighborhood walks, especially if dogs are small
  • Be careful when in areas with dense vegetation, including dunes and golf course
  • Wait to unleash dogs on the beach until well past dunes
  • Watch unleashed pets closely
  • Be especially careful after twilight and into the night
  • Don't let pets "play" with coyotes

Don't ignore coyotes

  • Don't leave small children alone outside
  • If a coyote approaches, lift small pets and children off the ground
  • Make loud noises and wave your hands or objects
  • Throw stones or other objects
  • Spray with a hose - from a safe distance