A coyote in the brush. | City of Atlantic Beach
Published on April 30, 2025 at 2:43 pm
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Atlantic Beach is investigating multiple reports of coyote attacks over the last few days.
Along with an alert, the city is issuing warnings for residents to steer clear of the wild animals and report any sightings.
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The city says it received what it believes to be credible reports of a coyote biting someone Tuesday, with a second bite reported Wednesday, along with a coyote attack that injured a dog.
The bite victims are now home recovering, officials said.
The two separate attacks happened on or near Begonia Street, on the western side of Atlantic Beach. Atlantic Beach Mayor Curtis Ford gave this advice at a news conference Wednesday:
“If you have a coyote on approach or growling, just stand your ground and try to loom large, but don’t run, because sometimes that will actually cause a coyote to chase, so we’re on it but at this time we still have limited information,” Ford said.
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Police Chief Victor Gualillo says coyotes in the area have been tracked since some sightings in 2013, with a spike in 2019. Authorities continue to monitor the animals. The last sighting was in November.
Gualillo says citizens should report any usual behavior by the animals to 9-1-1, and pass on any sightings to wildlife@COAB.us.
“It’s not usual to have the animals living in our backyard,” the police chief said. “It is unusual to have them attack. It is unusual to have negative interactions with human beings. Normally they just run away, which is what they’ve done for many, many years.”
The city of Atlantic Beach has posted a coyote advisory on its website, including these warnings:
- Be aware that the coyote or coyotes remain at large.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Don’t leave pet food or water outside.
- Check your property for potential coyote hiding spots such as under porches or sheds.
- Consider trimming low-lying vegetation.
