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City advises citizens on "suburban" coyotes
As Deer Park continues to develop and expand its neighborhoods into areas that once provided habitats for wild animals, there has been an increase in sightings of "suburban" coyotes. Coyotes are normally cautious of humans in areas where they are harassed, hunted or trapped.
However, in suburban areas, many coyotes have lost their fear of humans and may associate people and their pets with an easy and dependable source of food. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will eat most anything. The ready supply of food, water and shelter helps coyotes survive in the suburbs and makes them tend to lose their fear of humans. Suburban coyotes have access to rodents, rabbits, household garbage, compost piles, pets, pet food, and water from ponds, and landscape irrigation run-off.
These coyotes may make their dens in storm drains, under storage sheds, or in holes dug in vacant lots, parks, golf courses, greenbelts and similar sites. Coyotes rarely attack people, but do attack pets. To reduce the chance of having unpleasant encounters with coyotes, the Texas Cooperative Extension-Wildlife Services offers the following:
- Do not put feed or water out for coyotes or other wild animals that are prey for coyotes (deer, rabbits, etc.).
- Construct bird feeders so that coyotes and their prey (squirrels and rodents) cannot get to the feed.
- Secure garbage and/or compost piles where coyotes cannot get to them.
- Make sure garbage containers have tight fitting lids.
- Feed pets indoors whenever possible. Pick up any leftovers when feeding outdoors. Store pet food where wildlife cannot reach it.
- Trim shrubbery that provides hiding cover for wildlife.
- Do not allow pets to run free. Provide secure nighttime housing for them.
- Erect a secure fence around your yard. Make sure it goes all the way to the ground.
- Discourage coyotes from coming into your area. If you see them, chase them away by shouting, making loud noises and throwing rocks or sticks. Create a negative association with humans.
Making your neighborhood less welcoming to coyotes can greatly reduce the possibility of human/coyote encounters by encouraging coyotes to stay in their natural habitat, away from residential streets and yards.