coyotes daphne

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

May 13, 2025

DAPHNE, Ala. Since February, residents in Daphne and Spanish Fort have been on high alert for roaming coyotes that are killing their pets and wild animals alike.

One Daphne resident told us in March that her husband watched two coyotes chase down two cats, killing them before carrying them away.

Another area resident reported seeing a coyote play tag with a bunny before killing it and then dragging it away.

During this time, coyotes were more active because it was mating season which typically occurs from January to March. During this time, coyotes are more active, vocal (howling), and may appear more aggressive, especially when protecting their territory or finding mates. This period also overlaps with when female coyotes are pregnant and raising pups, which can further increase their activity and vigilance.

But now in May, pets are still disappearing, and some have been found mutilated and there is evidence coyotes are to blame according to area residents in Daphne.

Coyotes have been known to attack children and adults alike and can be aggressive if you come close to their territory.

Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune said that the problem surfaced last year, but some residents were reluctant to allow trapping on their property but as the problem has persisted, the council has now given approval for setting traps and the trapping will be done by the Wildlife Solutions company. It’s not a permanent solution, but it can help. Until then, he asks Daphne residents “to be vigilant, to watch, look at your surroundings, keep your small animals in. Do the best you can with your cats.

Coyotes have also been seen in Fairhope and in Spanish Fort in recent months and are known to be in many areas of Baldwin County.
The city of Mobile has also reported that have been dealing with ongoing issues with the growing coyote population for years.

In Alabama, coyote hunting is legal both day and night on privately owned or leased land with the proper license. There is no closed season or bag limit for coyotes. A special nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting license is required for nighttime hunting on private or leased land. Landowners and their residents or immediate family are exempt from licensing requirements for hunting coyotes on their own property during daylight hours.

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