Atlantic Beach Sets Traps After Coyote Attacks

Atlantic Beach, Florida, remains on alert after three coyote attacks near Begonia Street left two people and a dog injured over two days. Victim Thomas Cathey was bitten multiple times while walking to work, and another person was bitten the following day, with a dog injured while protecting its owner. Authorities believe a single coyote is responsible for the attacks, describing its behavior as abnormal but not rabid. The city, in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has set traps and is following its Coyote Management and Education Plan. Residents are urged to keep pets indoors, avoid leaving out food or water, promptly report sightings, and use noise or gestures to deter coyotes. Officials remind the public not to approach or feed coyotes and to check properties for potential hiding spots.