Help me keep pets and people safe by removing coyotes.

Happy Holidays, everyone.

My name is James Malcom and I'm looking to raise money for coyote removal. Coyotes are an invasive species here in South Carolina, with the initial population having been imported in the 1940s to hunt, after the native red wolves had been killed off. Others migrated in later and they are now found throughout the state.

Two coyotes, a breeding pair, have set up their territory to include a patch of woods next to a residential neighborhood (Charleston Farms) here in North Charleston, South Carolina, perhaps with occasional wanderers, all coming within 50 feet or less of people's houses. I'd like to buy 2 live traps suitable for coyotes, so I can safely and humanely remove them from the area. These are available at several outlets locally, or they can be delivered, for about $120-150 each, plus tax and shipping.

The coyotes came to my attention a couple weeks ago when I found scat at the edge of the woods, near several houses. I have 3 cats in that immediate area that live outside, and there are others scattered around the neighborhood which I worry the coyotes may target. I can't bring my cats inside. Their previous owner died in 2022 and the duplex they were raised in is now vacant and slated for demolition. I live in a tent in the woods two miles away - thus, I have no inside to bring them into - but I stop by almost daily to give them food, love, and check on them.

There are deer, rabbits, moles and rodents all throughout those woods, but coyotes are opportunistic and will eat whatever they can catch, including cats and smaller dogs. Bites on people have been documented in the Charleston metro area; thus, these animals pose a risk to residents and their pets.

I've set up a camera trap on a trail maintained by one of the residents and they've been seen multiple times in the past two weeks, including 4 times in one night. In the photo I provided, there are houses about 20 feet to the right, out of frame.

Help me keep my cats, other pets and the residents of this neighborhood safe by helping me safely and humanely remove these coyotes from the area, and any others that replace them. Thank you all for whatever help you can give. I and many others greatly appreciate your time and attention.

Enjoy your Holiday season!