The Jacksonville Daily News reported that farmers have reported the coyotes are eating watermelons.

 

Melissa Huffman with the cooperative extension service in Onslow County says coyotes usually kill calves, goats and sheep. But she says the animals have started eating melons and other vegetables.

 

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission has authorized nighttime hunting of the predators.

 

Jack Holland says a pack of coyotes has eaten $1,000 worth of watermelons in the past two weeks, sometimes eating as many as 20 melons a night. Holland says this is the worst year for coyotes on his farm.

 

Coyotes can threaten public health because they carry rabies.

 

In Orange County, coyotes have been spotted by several residents, prompting state wildlife officials to warn residents to keep pets inside, keep food contained, and block off open areas under porches.

 

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Additional information from SGRToday.com