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Animal control official warns of rising coyote sightings, asks county to coordinate with DNR
Summary
Tallulah McGee of Beaufort County animal services told the Public Facilities and Safety Committee about increasing coyote sightings, recent livestock/pet losses and the county’s plan to collect sightings and work with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; staff discussed permit-based rehab, trappers and public education.
Tallulah McGee, speaking to the Beaufort County Public Facilities and Safety Committee on Sept. 16, said county staff have recorded increasing coyote sightings countywide and described recent incidents in which animals were killed or injured.
"They did come on my property and kill some of my animals recently," McGee said, describing an uptick in sightings around Meek Point, Mint Point and Charlotte Island and expressing concern that protected county lands may be harboring dens. She said animal services has been collecting sightings and urged coordination with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assess the situation.
County staff said the program McGee described will ask residents to identify nuisance areas so the county can compile facts and then work with DNR on appropriate responses. McGee outlined possible tools that could be considered, including working with a trapper, permit-based rehabilitation programs with training and free permits for qualified rehabilitators, and public education on avoiding attractants such as pet food and unsecured feeders.
Committee members raised public-safety concerns and asked whether legal options exist for managing coyotes; staff and McGee said coyotes are not a protected species in South Carolina and that DNR can advise on permits and hunting options on unincorporated county land. Council members pushed staff to pursue DNR recommendations and to consider whether controlled culling or other measures are appropriate in populated areas.
Why it matters: residents reported pet and poultry losses and rising sightings in populated areas and parks; staff framed the issue as a public-safety matter that crosses wildlife management and domestic-animal responsibilities and said the county will rely on DNR guidance to develop next steps.
What’s next: staff will continue to collect sighting reports, coordinate with DNR on assessment and recommendations, and bring proposals back to the committee for policy or ordinance changes if needed.
Provenance: primary transcript coverage for this topic from SEG 447 to SEG 626.
