What to know about alligators, snakes and coyotes in Augusta as they become more active
With summer coming to a close, Augustans may notice an influx of snakes, alligators, deer, geese and squirrels.
I.B. Parnell, a wildlife biologist with Georgia DNR, said recently in Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties, he has received about half a dozen alligator calls. However, he said deer are accounting for most of the recent calls.
"The main one right now is for injured deer or deer eating stuff that people don't want them to eat," Parnell said.
While deer are typically not a threat to humans, they can carry diseases, according to DNR.
Augustans should call and talk to a biologist about a deer if they encounter the following:
Dead deer in or near a stream, lake, or pond with no apparent injuries.
Emaciated deer, which are so skinny that their backbone, pelvic bones and all ribs are showing.
Deer with no apparent injuries with drooping ears, abnormal posture or drooling heavily.
Deer walking in circles, have a lack of coordination or trouble standing or walking.
Deer that are excessively coughing or sneezing.
Coyotes in the Augusta area
Parnell added he has received one call about coyotes in the area.
"Coyotes are not a threat to people and they don't typically mess with dogs," he said. "Every now and again, you'll hear about one attacking a small dog, but usually they only prey on cats. Typically, when coyotes are coming up around houses, they're coming up around the house for a food source that's usually not a pet. It's usually something like leftover dog or cat food."
Augustans should avoid leaving out their garbage overnight, which attracts all kinds of wildlife including coyotes, raccoons, possums and foxes, according to Parnell.
"Sometimes people don't think about having a bird feeder in the backyard that has bird seed in it," he said. "The squirrels and the birds knock the seed out onto the ground and then at night, rats and mice rabbits eat that seed, attracting coyotes."
While DNR does not trap coyotes, Augustans can call a licensed nuisance wildlife trapper.
"They are usually not going to come after you," Parnell said. "[If you don't want to call a trapper,] you can just use something to make noise and they will take off. As far as Georgia law goes, coyotes can be shot or trapped year-round and there's no limit or [time restrictions]. If you're in an area with no houses around and you see a coyote in your yard, you can absolutely shoot it, if it's safe to do so."
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Maj. Steve Morris with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office provided a county ordinance that states the following:
"No person shall, by his act, omission or neglect, cause unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death to any living animal. This section shall not apply to the slaughter of animals for the purpose of providing food, nor shall it apply to any person who hunts wild animals in compliance with the game and fish laws of this state, nor shall it apply to killing or injuring an animal for humane purposes or in the furtherance of medical or scientific research."
An exception notes it is unlawful for a Columbia County resident, without legal justification, to discharge a firearm on or within 50 yards of a public highway.
Parnell noted those who live in a community with a homeowners association should check covenants before handling a wildlife concern themselves.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia DNR: Alligators, snakes active in Augusta area