In 2001 cats began disappearing from a neighborhood near St. Petersburg. After some investigation and eye witness accounts – the blame fell on coyotes. Nearly absent from the state at the turn of the last century, the wily carnivores are now present in all 67 Florida counties. In Lee County at least one pair is living adjacent to an upscale sub-division – and has been preying on small dogs. Residents are being advised to learn to live with the animals. WGCU’s Valerie Alker prepared this report.