Coyote Concerns

Bon Secour Volunteer Fire Chief Karl Bingert has dedicated his time to protecting the community. Now, the veteran firefighter has another challenge he's concerned about. Coyotes are making themselves more visible in South Baldwin County. The packs are getting larger and the predators seem less intimidated by humans.

"We're seeing more of them," says Binger. "I don't know if it's the dry weather or what it is but you need to be aware of them. If you see them around your yard, make sure don't let the kids out and leaving the animals out if you happen to see them around."

Coyote sightings have also been reported in Foley and Gulf Shores near Ft. Morgan Road.

"As with any wild animal you want to keep your distance, but if you leave them alone you should be fine," says Jackie Isaccs. Isaccs is a biologist with the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. "They're going to eat things like small rabitts and rodents and small animals so if you have a small pet, it's a good idea to keep them indoors."

Locally, there has been at least one recent report of a coyote killing a family pet.