Theo Karantsalis shared more details about the coyote shooting incident in a report published in The Miami Herald.Â
According to the report, Sgt. Kyle Collins responded to a lake home on Corydon Drive where the coyote was in the backyard and appeared to be stalking ducks. With permission from the homeowner and a clear background, the officer fired “one initial shot and then two more when the coyote lunged toward him.”Â
We had previously shared the following statement issued by Miami Springs Police Chief Matthew Castillo regarding the incident:
As Chief of Police, my highest priority is the safety of our residents and their pets. Over the past several days, the department received multiple calls reporting a coyote entering backyards throughout the neighborhood. Residents expressed concern for their safety and concern for their animals, and we responded to each call.
In addressing this situation, we explored all reasonable options, including coordinating with the appropriate wildlife authorities regarding the possibility of assistance but was met with negative results. Based on the animal’s repeated presence in residential areas, it was determined that the coyote posed an increasing safety risk to the community. I wasn’t willing to risk the safety of our residents.Â
On Friday night, we responded to another call from a concerned neighbor who reported the coyote in his backyard. The coyote was targeting ducks in the area. After assessing the environment and ensuring a safe backdrop, the responding officer discharged his duty weapon and killed the coyote.Â
This outcome is never what we prefer, but the decision was made after thorough evaluation and with the sole intent of protecting the residents of Miami Springs.
If this had been a coyote that was staying in the outskirts of Miami Springs, this may not have been necessary. But once a coyote is jumping into residents’ backyards, it’s become a nuisance. Nobody would want a tragic incident on Christmas morning to find out the family’s new puppy has been mauled by a coyote…or even worse, a small child or toddler.
Read Karantsalis’ full report at:Â https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article313938172.html
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Message from Miami Springs Police Chief Matthew Castillo re: Coyote Incident
