The Brief
- A Chihuahua named Ben survived a daylight coyote attack in Rowena Gardens, leading his owner to dress him in spiked canvas armor for protection.
- Residents report graphic sightings — including coyotes carrying dead cats — but say local authorities and the FWC have offered little more than “self-help” tips.
- The FWC maintains that removing coyotes is ineffective, leaving homeowners to rely on “hazing” and property modifications to stay safe.
Living in the quiet Orlando neighborhood of Rowena Gardens used to mean peaceful walks and outdoor gardening.
Now, for residents like Ann Shaw, it means “spike vests” and constant surveillance. After her Chihuahua, Ben, was attacked in broad daylight by two coyotes last month, the community remains on edge, claiming the local response has left them to fend for themselves.
The backstory:…