MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- Myrtle Beach City Council discussed a proposed response plan to recent coyote sightings. This comes after a public meeting on the issue last week.
The City of Myrtle Beach proposed 6 action steps it can take after people said coyote sightings are becoming too frequent.
City leaders want to continue educational efforts and develop a system to document encounters like location, time of day, and the coyote’s behavior.
City leaders also want to discuss legislation with lawmakers to increase emergency resources with SCDNR. They also are developing a plan to inspect potential food sources.
The city does not want to trap animals on private property for liability reasons, but proposed a program to partly reimburse residents who hire a private professional to trap and dispose of the coyotes.
The city will also consider a $10,000 dollar fund for any wildlife emergency.
“There is no predator to take out these predators, so they multiply. I really believe we’ve got to hit the ground running on this,” said Myrtle Beach Council member Mike Lowder.
The city also proposed recommendations for citizens like not letting your pets run loose, and if you are walking your pet take an air horn or a stick capable of rendering a blow.
City council will talk more about this issue at its next meeting on February 12th.