An elusive coyote in Brevard County's largest park has officials on alert, and asking patrons to be mindful of their surroundings.
Park rangers say the coyote was first spotted a few weeks ago at Wickham Park, in Melbourne, and while they don't want to alarm people who frequent the park, they want to make sure people are aware for both their own safety and that of their pets.
"He's here in the wilderness," says Campground Manager Jeff Whitehead. "He's got a food source here, and he's made Wickham Park his home for a little while."
At home in a large, wooded park, with plenty of secluded trails, surrounded by an urban area, there are plenty of places for this coyote to lurk — and lots of food, too.
Park rangers say they found a dead feral cat just a few days ago, and several geese are missing.
"We've found some animals that have been half eaten, and that's a sign of a coyote," Whitehead explained.
There's no way to know where the animal came from, but officials said they want park patrons to keep an eye out for the coyote. Park rangers said one man was recently walking his small dog on a trail in the park, when he turned around and discovered he was being followed by a coyote.
Kristian Baca, who frequents Wickham Park with her husband and two small dogs, said they are now on the lookout.
"It definitely would freak me out, raise some concerns," said Baca.
Rangers have set a trap, hoping to catch the coyote and then relocate it elsewhere.
"Hopefully they'll catch it soon, and the park will be safer for the kids," says Roy Eaddy, who was at the park with his three children Wednesday.
"Be on the alert and let us know," says Whitehead, who says the coyote will mostly come out early in the morning and late at night.
If you spot the coyote in Wickham Park, report it to the Campground Manager's Office at (321) 255-4307.