Throughout the year many people may have seen or heard coyotes around the area. Coyotes come near the neighborhoods in search of water and easy food. Coyotes are a member of the dog family, with gray coats and a reddish tinge near the ears and legs. Coyotes are incredibly adaptable animals that can inhabit a variety of different areas. The question of the dangers coyotes pose is often asked and in some areas of the country they can become a nuisance. Although coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare, coyotes may kill domestic animals such as cats and small dogs. The following are some basics that you can do to help reduce coyote occurrences in your area:

• Do not feed coyotes. Remove all remaining pet food after your pets are done eating.
• Make garbage inaccessible to animals by using sealed containers. Cover your compost area and do not try to compost meat products.
• Clean up extra bird seed that falls from bird feeders. Coyotes are attracted to birds and rodents that come to feed on the seed.
• Keep pets (especially small dogs and cats) indoors. Your pets are most susceptible from dusk to dawn.
• Fencing may act as a deterrent. Make sure the fence is secure at ground level.
• Remove brush and tall grass next to your house, to reduce cover for coyotes.
• Keep dogs on leashes when you are hiking.
• Teach children to watch wild animals from a distance. If they see a Coyote they need to move away slowly and follow the directions below.
• If you have a coyote in your yard or see one on the trails, be loud and aggressive.

Waving your arms, throwing sticks/rocks, and loud noises will usually scare the coyote off. Never run from a coyote, keep your eyes on the animal.

Most of these recommendations are aimed to reduce the number of confrontations between people and coyotes. Feeding wildlife, allows the wildlife to associate food with humans, and then problems can develop. Keep in mind that more people are killed and injured by pets than wildlife.

Through our Wildlife Management Program, Sunset Valley keeps track of wildlife sightings and unusual activities. If you observe a coyote please make a report. Report coyote sightings to the police department at (512)-892-1384. If you have any questions, concerns or you would like to discuss wildlife activities please call Carolyn Meredith, Environmental Services Manager, at (512) 891-9103.

Related Links and Documents

• Coyote Facts and Safety
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Information on Urban Coyotes
• A History of Urban Coyote Problems
• Management of Conflicts Between Humans and Coyotes in Southern California
• Coyote Attacks: An Increasing Suburban Problem
• Effects of Coyote Control on Their Prey: A Review
• Urban Coyote Control Program - Robert J. Erickson
• Review of Successful Urban Coyote Management Programs - Rex O. Baker
• Urban Coyote Research Project - Cook County, IL
• Coyote Coexistence Management Program

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