New research aimed at tracking coyote sightings in Atlantic Beach

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — Coyotes are being spotted more and more in places like Neptune Beach, Mayport and Atlantic Beach.

Two weeks ago, we told you the Atlantic Beach Police Department said there have been 13 different sightings of coyotes from May 2016 to January 22 of this year.

The city of Atlantic Beach sent Action News Jax a picture of a coyote that an employee took Feb. 3 near a lift station just outside the city limits.

Other neighbors have posted on social media saying they spotted more.

One person said they saw one running near Cape Charles Avenue this week.

Neighbor Kevin Durgin lives in that neighborhood.

“I’m a little nervous about it actually since we have a small dog we bring out a couple times during the night,” said Durgin.

As development gets closer and closer to their habitat, city leaders said they’re going to educating the public about coyotes.

”It’s kind of like a crime watch thing. They report it and have a better idea of where the coyote is at the time,” said Durgin.

The city of Atlantic Beach said they’re looking for neighbors to participate in a focus research group.

They say the University of Florida is visiting six communities throughout the state to gather more information about coyotes, and Atlantic Beach will be one of those six.

The city will also hold a presentation on coyotes next week where neighbors can ask questions and give their input.

Many like Durgin are concerned about the safety of their animals

“Typically we stay in the yard, but sometimes in the middle of the night he wants to go out,” said Durgin.

The city said they’ll need volunteers for the focus group by tomorrow.

The city of Atlantic Beach says you can learn more about coyotes here.

To learn more about how to be part of the focus group you can contact Kevin Hogancamp at khogancamp@gmail.com 904-247-5806 or 229-921-3424.

Cox Media Group