Missing Cats Blamed On Coyotes In Northern Broward Neighborhood

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COCONUT CREEK (CBSMiami) - After several calls of coyote sightings, the city of Coral Springs has temporarily closed Volunteer Park on Northwest 66th Terrace.

On Friday, Trae Thompson saw the warning sign about the coyotes posted on the locked gate at Volunteer Park. "It's crazy," he said, never expecting to hear about coyotes in a place he takes young family members to play.

"We are here every day. We have to watch them now to make sure nothing pops out of the bushes."

The city says the park closure is a safety issue.

"Our concern is the safety of our residents and pets as well," said Officer Tyler Reik with the Coral Springs police department.

Reik says the city is exploring hiring a trapper to catch the coyotes and relocate them West of US 27.

The coyote population is expanding in South Florida.

A Coconut Creek resident recently snapped a picture of a coyote in a field west of the turnpike and cat rescue groups believe at least a half-dozen stray cats have fallen prey to coyotes in their community.

Ryan Holland says has seen coyotes on the edge of Volunteer Park where there is a nature preserve.

"They have come out of the woods by the playground typically late at night. I have seen them while driving by," he says.

Zoo Miami's Ron Magill says get used to seeing coyotes in greater numbers in South Florida.

"They are here, but people should not think of them as packs of wolves," he said.

Magill says coyotes do not go after humans.

But he says people should keep a close eye on their cats and small dogs.