Coyotes causing problems for residents near Cocoa

COCOA, Fla. — Some residents in one Brevard County neighborhood have called a trapper to help them deal with a coyote problem.

The coyotes were spotted by residents living along Gray Road near Cocoa, where neighbors said they're starting to notice other wildlife disappearing from the area.

Residents like Amy Langoni and Julie Lombard said they used to see possums and rabbits all the time, but not anymore.

Raw: Residents describe coyotes in their area

Langoni was in her front yard with her dog when she said a coyote came within 10 feet of them. She now fears the coyote is responsible for her other pet.

"One of my cats got taken and all her babies with it," she said. "I want people to know and be aware that less than a block away, there are residential subdivisions."

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, coyotes rarely pose a risk to humans. But Langoni said she isn't comfortable knowing they are in the neighborhood, which is why she and Lombard have hired a trapper.

"We don't sleep through the night because we have to take the puppies out with flashlights, air horns," said Lombard. "We're afraid of the coyotes."

Trapper James Dean has already set a trap in the neighborhood and told Channel 9 he's fielding plenty of other complaints.

"I've been inundated with coyotes in the Brevard County area," he said. "I've got more traps coming end of the week."

Dean said general coyotes are skittish animals and for that reason they can be hard to trap.

WFTV