HOUSTON – With the recent reports of coyote sightings around the Houston area, KPRC 2 wanted to remind you what to do when you spot one in your neighborhood.
Last month, residents in Montrose contacted KPRC 2 and reported increased coyote sightings in their neighborhood.
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Resident Donna Drennan said she lost her cat and noticed several other neighborhood cats had gone missing after the sightings of the coyotes.
Several neighbors reported seeing the coyotes, saying they were out during daylight hours, encouraging them to hire a private trapper.
Also, on Reddit, user HouseAtomic, posted a photo of a coyote sighting on the Buffalo Bayou between Shepherd and Waugh. HouseAtomic said the pregnant coyote started growling when he saw their family dog.
So, what do you do if you spot a coyote?
Coyotes are nongame species in Texas, meaning you must have a hunting license to hunt or take them from their natural habitat. But, according to state law, if a coyote takes out your pet or livestock, you are allowed to protect them by killing the coyote.
Texas Health and Safety Code section 822.013 states that a coyote attacking or recently attacking other animals may be killed by any person witnessing the attack. The attacked animal’s owner or a person acting on behalf of the owner if the owner or person knows the attack. A person is not required to procure a hunting license to kill a coyote under this specific circumstance in Texas.
But, if there’s an instance where the coyote is not attacking your pets or livestock, here’s what you should do:
Coyotes are naturally timid animals and will usually flee at the sight of a human. If they linger or approach, it’s time to begin “hazing.” This is a term applied to the following actions that can be taken to scare coyotes and chase them away:
- Be as big and loud as possible. Do not run or turn your back.
- Wave your arms, clap your hands, and shout authoritatively.
- Make noise by banging pots and pans or using an air horn or whistle. These sounds can also alert the neighbors.
- Throw small stones, sticks, tennis balls, or anything else you can lay your hands on. Remember the intent is to scare and not to injure.
- Spray with a hose, if available, or a squirt gun filled with water and vinegar.
- Shake or throw a “coyote shaker”—a soda can filled with pennies or pebbles and sealed with duct tape.
How to keep coyotes away:
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything, alive or dead: garbage, meat, fish, vegetables, berries, or whatever they can find easily. Their natural diet consists mainly of rabbits, rodents, and carrion. Coyotes are very wary of humans; however, they can become accustomed to humans especially if they are fed. Since any wild animal without fear of humans can become dangerous, it is essential not to feed them at all. Don’t leave pet food out overnight, secure lids to garbage cans, and keep small pets inside unless supervised. They do not typically pose a threat to livestock; however, hungry coyotes may occasionally take small domestic animals or poultry.