Resident concerned about use of coyote snare traps in residential neighborhood in St. James City
To the editor:
I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent (December) introduction of snare traps – presumably targeting coyotes – into our St. James City neighborhood by one of our fellow residents.
The snares present a potential hazard to not only children, but to domestic pets as well as Federal/Florida designated threatened or protected birds such as bald eagles, wood storks and roseate spoonbills and other birds frequenting the vicinity. Some may say that coyotes represent the same threats, however, humans should know better, where coyotes cannot be held to the same standard.
I have contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding the legality of setting such snares in a residential area, however, my goal here is not to discuss the legality, but rather the appropriateness – or inappropriateness of doing so.
My task is simple – please do not set snare traps in our neighborhood. While I would prefer that the responsible party learn to co-exist with the coyotes, I realize that he/she/they have a right to disagree. I would ask that they do so in a respectful manner – and that does not include the selfish act of setting potentially hazardous snare traps in our neighborhood.
Concerned,
Jennifer M. Firlings
St. James City