Coyote Facts
• Coyotes weigh between 20 – 45 pounds – they aren’t large animals.
• Coyotes are adaptable animals and can live just about anywhere. They are becoming
increasingly dense in urban areas.
• Coyotes may live as solitary individuals, in pairs or in a small family or pack.
• Coyotes are crucial in the control of the rodent and small mammal populations.
• Coyotes are opportunistic and feed on a variety of small mammals, insects, fruit, seed,
trash and carrion. They will choose the most accessible meal, which is why they are so
often seen rummaging in garbage.
Keeping Coyotes at a Distance
Coyotes are drawn to neighborhoods for two primary reasons: human encroachment into coyote
habitat and the availability of food, water and shelter. The following steps and habits will help
prevent coyotes away from your home:
• Tightly secure garbage can lids. Store trash bins inside sheds or garages.
• Put trash out the morning of pickup, not the night before.
• When composting, use well-secured bins. Don’t add dog or cat waste, meat, dairy or
eggs.
• Never leave or store pet food outside.
• Keep outdoor grills clean.
• Pick ripe fruit off trees and keep fruit off the ground.
• Don’t let your bird feeders overflow.
• Fence vegetable gardens or use a green house.
• Eliminate artificial water sources and fish ponds.
• Install motion-activated outdoor lighting and sprinkler systems.
• Fence your property or yard in a fashion that keeps the coyote out.
• Clear bushes and dense weeds where small mammals and rodents may hide, as the
coyotes prey on these animals.
• Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks and sheds.
Keeping Domestic Animals Safe
Although primarily rodent/rabbit eaters and scavengers, coyotes may view livestock, cats and
small dogs as prey, while larger dogs may be viewed as a threat, particulary during mating
(December, January, February), breeding (April, May), and dispersal (September, October)
seasons.
• Keep companion animals inside at night.
• Do not allow companion animals to roam free (OBEY LEASH LAWS)
• Spay or neuter your dogs. Coyotes can mate with unsterilized dogs and are attracted to
females in heat.
If You Encounter a Coyote
Coyotes usually avoid people, but may become fearless because of intentional or unintentional
feeding. Coyotes must be encouraged to fear people.
• Never feed or attempt to ‘tame’ a coyote.
• Do not turn your back on or run from a coyote; if approached, make loud noises and
make yourself look big. Send a small stick or handful of pebbles in the general direction
of the coyote.
• Soak him! If you are near a water hose – spray the coyote.
• If you walk or hike in areas that are known to be populated with coyotes, carry a deterrent
such as an air horn or walking stick.
• Because coyotes will tend to use the same trails at the same time of day, consider
periodically changing your walking, jogging, running schedules and routes.
Please report sightings (location, time, number of animals, and apparent condition of the
animal(s) to Animal Control at 972-370-9250, so that an accurate record can be kept of our
coyote population.
For statistical and research purposes, we also encourage that sightings be reported to: DFW
Wildlife Coalition at 972-234-WILD.
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