MACON, Ga. — A University of Georgia study confirms what many Central Georgia residents have suspected: the coyote population is surging across the region.

Thomas Prestridge, who operates Middle Georgia Predator Control with partners Matt Still and Alex Watkiss, hunts wild coyotes throughout Central Georgia. What began as a hobby five years ago has evolved into a full-time mission to help homeowners dealing with encroaching predators.

"I've had them go and sit on their back porch and watch me," Prestridge said of the coyotes' bold behavior.

Prestridge uses thermal imaging equipment to locate the animals, then employs electronic calls to lure them into open areas. The coyotes typically den in wooded areas and large timber blocks, but packs are increasingly venturing into residential ne

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