Coyotes are established in the Charleston tri-county area; the city advises hazing and removing food attractants rather than shooting, while South Carolina DNR sets statewide trapping and hunting rules.
Coyotes have spread across all 46 South Carolina counties, including dense parts of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester. SC Department of Natural Resources classifies them as nuisance wildlife with a year-round open hunting and trapping season on private land, but firearm discharge inside Charleston city limits is restricted by Chapter 21. Charleston Police and Animal Society recommend hazing tactics, securing trash, and never feeding pets outside. Licensed trappers remove problem animals when needed. Killing pets or persistent stalking behavior should be reported to SCDNR and Charleston Animal Control, not handled by neighborhood firearms.
Discharging a firearm inside Charleston city limits to take a coyote is a municipal violation; unlicensed commercial trapping or out-of-season violations are SCDNR enforcement matters.
Charleston, SC
Feeding alligators, deer, raccoons, and feral cats on Charleston public property and parks is restricted, since human-fed wildlife becomes aggressive and cre...
Charleston, SC
Charleston requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when in public areas. Off-leash dogs are prohibited except in designated dog parks.
See how Charleston's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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