Coyotes are now a normal part of Florida’s landscape, including Southwest Florida neighborhoods.

They have been documented in all 67 Florida counties and can live in rural areas, suburbs and cities.

Most coyotes avoid people, but they become more visible when food, pet food, garbage, fallen fruit or other attractants are easy to reach.

That is why pet safety starts at home.

Keep cats indoors, supervise small dogs outside, use a short leash on walks and avoid leaving food outdoors overnight.

If a coyote lingers too close to people, make yourself large, yell, wave your arms and use other non-contact hazing methods so the animal does not learn that people are harmless to approach.

Do not run from a coyote and do not feed one.

A coyote seen during daylight is not automatically sick or dangerous. The more important question is how the animal behaves: whether it approaches people, refuses to leave, acts disoriented or appears injured.

Florida wildlife biologists are holding a live virtual coyote webinar Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern.

The session covers coyote biology, behavior, their role in Florida ecosystems, pet safety, attractants and ways to prevent or resolve conflicts.

No registration is required, and FWC says mobile users may need the free Microsoft Teams app to view the presentation.

Additional webinars are scheduled for Nov. 10 and Dec. 15, also from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern.

The practical takeaway: coyotes are here to stay, but removing attractants, supervising pets and keeping coyotes wary of people can prevent most neighborhood conflicts.