WINTER PARK, Fla. — Central Florida residents are growing more concerned about the coyote population across the state, with many saying they believe it is increasing.

Many homeowners have reported their pets missing, and frequently see coyotes during the daytime. They have even recorded the animals on their phones.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has reported coyotes in all 67 Florida counties. However, their exact numbers are still unknown.

While it’s not common for them to attack people, they do attack other animals. 

Sarah Castor said a coyote recently killed her family’s pet cat, Owen, in their backyard.

“So, he went out as usual, first thing in the morning, 6 o’clock. I actually heard the little bell on his collar. I think that’s when the coyote got to him. My neighbor found his remains across the street,” she said.

Castor’s neighbors near Lake Killarney have captured video of coyotes on their security cameras.

“They ... jump over our fence, run through the yard. I have scared two of the three,” said Castor, standing in her backyard.

Castor said she has done her research and wants experts to fix the problem.

“It is a wildlife issue. It’s not an animal control issue," she said. 'And they need to acknowledge that and do something about it."

Another neighbor, Carol Matthews, has her own coyote issues. 

After 45 years of living in the area, she said sightings are up. 

“I believe they are getting so urbanized, and they are less afraid of people,” Matthews said.

Neighbors have recorded coyotes howling at night and walking in the daytime. 

There are feral cats around her home.

“Sometimes people find the remains of cats. It might just be the half of a body. The head or the legs,” Matthews explained.

FWC said it’s up to owners to protect their pets.

“If people are concerned about a potential threat between their pet and a coyote, they can keep cats indoors. They can keep dogs, especially smaller breeds, on shorter non-retractable leashes,” said Kristen Turner, an FWC public information officer.

While residents said they have seen more coyotes, FWC said those numbers can be misleading.

“But it might be 10 people calling about the same coyote. And it does not mean an increase in the population,” Turner said.

If you spot a coyote, there is no need to call FWC because it will not come and remove it.

“Coyotes are not regulated in the state of Florida. They can take them year around. During any season on private property,” said Chad Weber, another FWC public information officer.

That suggests homeowners are responsible for catching the troublesome coyotes themselves.

Lonnie Smith, a trapper for decades, said the animals are tough to round up.

“It can be very difficult. They have a tendency to be trap-shy,” said Smith of Custom Pest Solutions.

Smith said it’s expensive to remove coyotes and your problem may not go away by catching one.

“Most of the time when we trap them, they are a nuisance of a certain kind. Because normally, when you remove a coyote, you’re going to have another one move into the area. That is just nature,” Smith said.

FWC said homeowners have two options with trapped coyotes.

“You can release it with permission for a landowner with 40 acres or more. Or your other option is to humanely euthanize it,” Weber said.

However, experts say coyotes are a part of the ecosystem and are necessary to reduce rodent populations. 

They also say you’re likely to see more of the animals in urban areas because of their habitat loss due to human population growth.