Wildlife

Coexisting with Coyotes

It is important to note that coyotes rarely attack people - in fact only one fatality has ever been recorded in the U.S.

Coyotes are very wary of humans and are common throughout Texas. They have adapted easily to the expansion of human communities into their habitat and can occasionally be found in urban environments and suburban neighborhoods like ours.

Don’t Feed Coyotes

The number one most effective way to prevent coyote attacks in our neighborhood is to eliminate wildlife feeding. Coyotes that are fed in residential neighborhoods can lose their fear of people and may eventually test humans and pets as prey. Many people unintentionally feed coyotes by leaving pet food or garbage out at night or having large bird feeders. Coyotes are usually not interested in bird food, but bird feeders attract rodents, especially squirrels, which attract coyotes.

Don’t Let Pets Run Loose

Coyotes live nearby, even if you don’t know it, so don’t let pets run loose. When walking, keep dogs on leashes. Pets left outside, even with fencing, remain at risk for predation and unnecessary conflict as coyotes can easily climb an 8 ft wooden fence. Do not leave pets unattended outside.

Free ranging domestic cats and feral cat colonies may also serve to attract coyotes; it is important that domestic cats be kept indoors and that feral cats be spayed or neutered to control the population.

Don’t Run From a Coyote

When you encounter a coyote, shout or throw something in its direction (do not hit the animal). Do not run away. Carry a noise maker or whistle with you on your walk. If a coyote seems intent on defending a certain area, particularly around pupping season (May), your best bet may be to alter your route avoid conflict with a normally calm animal.

Don’t Create Conflict Where It Doesn’t Exist

If a coyote is acting as a coyote should by avoiding humans and pets, do not seek out opportunities to haze or otherwise aggravate the animal. Embracing communal respect is key.

Report Aggressive, Fearless Coyotes

When a coyote fails to exhibit fear of humans or acts aggressively, the animal should be reported by calling 311.

Respect

It is important to stress that our relationship with coyotes is directly affected by our behavior - coyotes react to us, and we can foster mutual respect or a lack of respect through the cues we send them.