Sanibel leaders debate targeted coyote kill to protect endangered sea turtles

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Coyotes on Sanibel Island are increasingly preying on threatened sea turtle nests, prompting biologists to propose the targeted killing of some of the wild canines to the city council.

"I've seen a lot. I've seen them in my yard. I've seen them on the road," said Sanibel resident Chet Sadler.

Since the first coyote appeared on the island in 2011, their presence has led to a rise in the consumption of loggerhead turtle eggs and hatchlings.

The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that coyotes ate or harmed over 22,000 eggs and hatchlings last year, despite protective measures, with a significant increase following Hurricane Ian.

SCCF biologists said they have used cages, screens and cayenne pepper powder throughout the last 15 years to deter the coyotes, but more needs to be done so only 10% or less of the hatchlings make it through nesting season.

"Killing coyotes is not something that, that we take lightly, nor do I want to be standing, you know, at a city council meeting and making those recommendations from a conservation group," said James Evans, CEO of SCCF. "It is one tool in the toolbox. We feel like we're getting to, you know, to the bottom of the toolbox, and there may not be any tools left."

Evans and his team, along with the Coyote Working Group, presented their idea to the city council, suggesting the USDA kill some coyotes targeting loggerhead nests at the north end of the island. The proposal sparked mixed emotions among residents.

"For me, going to the beach in the evening or in the morning for my prayer is a part of my, you know, my heart," said Nancy Floy, a Buddhist Sanibel resident. "It's a deep part of who I am. I couldn't go there and do my prayer at a place where living beings are being killed."

"They need to be taken out," said Chet Sadler. "They're killing our endangered species, and they should all be eliminated."

City leaders did not make a final decision, stating they want to explore more options to protect the turtles without resorting to lethally removing coyotes and to hear more from the community.

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