Coyote Sightings Unnerve Coral Gables Residents

Multiple reports of wild coyotes roaming near homes spark safety concerns in affluent Florida community

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Residents in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami, Florida have been on edge after multiple sightings of coyotes near their homes in recent months. Locals have reported seeing the wild animals prowling around popular outdoor spaces and even near children's play areas, raising fears for the safety of pets and young kids. The city has shared safety tips, but some residents are calling for more action from local authorities to address the issue before it escalates further.

Why it matters

Coyote sightings in urban and suburban areas have become more common across the United States in recent years as the animals' habitats have shrunk. While coyote attacks on humans are rare, the presence of the predators near homes can understandably unnerve residents, especially those with small children or pets. The Coral Gables situation highlights the challenges cities face in balancing wildlife conservation with public safety concerns.

The details

Residents have reported seeing two coyotes roaming near homes and swimming in a local resident's pool. One parent with a 10-pound Chihuahua said she is now afraid to let her dog out in the yard unattended. The city has advised residents to remove potential food sources, use motion-activated sprinklers, keep pets indoors, and act aggressively if approached by a coyote. The Coral Gables Police Department is evaluating whether to hire professional wildlife trappers to address the issue.

  • In recent months, there have been multiple coyote sightings reported around Coral Gables.
  • The most recent sightings were reported on February 8, 2026.

The players

Jayson Molina

A Coral Gables resident who is concerned about the presence of coyotes in popular outdoor spaces.

Gabrielle Dalmasy

A Coral Gables resident with a 10-pound Chihuahua who is now afraid to let her dog outside unattended due to the coyote sightings.

Coral Gables Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is evaluating whether to hire professional wildlife trappers to address the coyote issue.

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What they’re saying

“In the popular spaces, there being coyotes, it's not safe.”

— Jayson Molina, Coral Gables resident (WSVN)

“It's terrifying, I can't believe it, I have a ten lb. chihuahua that we let out in the yard all the time, and now that I just found out about this, I'm really scared.”

— Gabrielle Dalmasy, Coral Gables resident (WSVN)

What’s next

The Coral Gables Police Department is evaluating whether to hire professional wildlife trappers to address the coyote sightings before the situation escalates further.

The takeaway

The coyote sightings in Coral Gables highlight the growing challenge cities face in balancing wildlife conservation with public safety concerns. While coyote attacks on humans are rare, their presence near homes can understandably unnerve residents, especially those with small children or pets. The city's response in this case will be closely watched as a model for how other communities might address similar issues.