Taller fences to deter coyotes goes to Sullivan's Planning Commission

Stanford Kirshtein/Provided Sullivan's Island resident Stanford Kirshtein photographs coyotes at night using a remote camera placed on a fence at his home near Station 26.

SULLIVAN'S ISLAND - Taller fences to discourage coyotes may still be allowed here but first the idea must get Planning Commission approval.

Town Council on Tuesday night voted to send to the Commission a proposal to allow residents to have seven-foot-tall fences.

Currently, residential fences can be up to five-feet tall.

Residents have said they would like the option of enclosing backyards with taller fences to better protect pets and even children, although there have been no reports of the animals threatening people.

In the meantime, the town has encouraged people to report coyote sightings to police.

"A lot of people are seeing them very often. We want to hear about it," Councilman Pat O'Neil said.

Several people spoke on the coyote issue Tuesday night at the council meeting.

"These are invasive animals. They do not belong here and they are decimating everything on this island," Wayne Stelljes told the Council.

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Taller fences to deter coyotes goes to Sullivan's Planning Commission