Protect Pets During Coyote Mating Season
Love is in the air. If you’re a coyote, that is.
Coyote mating season is underway, and the city of Dallas has warned residents that coyotes may be more visible, vocal, and willing to venture into backyards and neighborhoods. To discourage uninvited coyote visitors, the city of Dallas recommends:
- Always keeping dogs on a leash, and never permitting them to run loose.
- Supervising pets, even in fenced-in yards
- Avoiding dog walks along creek lines or through empty fields.
Residents should also consider bringing outdoor cats inside at night, and should not leave out sources of food or water, said Lt. Lance Koppa, Highland Park Department of Public Safety community relations and public information officer.
A coyote was sighted possibly exhibiting territorial behavior at 12:30 a.m. near LaSalle Avenue and Westway Avenue, Koppa wrote in an email to residents on Jan. 17. The coyote ran toward a small dog, and circled before running away after the dog’s owner tried to scare it, which is unusual as coyotes are naturally fearful of people.
Last July, probable coyote attacks were reported on several Highland Park cats. Preston Hollow residents noted an increase in coyote activity in September.
If residents see coyotes, they should yell, wave their arms, throw objects near them, or shine flashlights to let the animals know they’re unwelcome, according to Koppa and the city of Dallas.
Coyotes are naturally skittish, Koppa said, and will generally try to run away if they see people. Koppa said that Highland Park residents can report coyote sightings by completing this online form. They should immediately report unusual coyote behavior, such as animals that appear sick or unafraid of humans, by calling the Highland Park Department of Public Safety at 214-521-5000. Residents can also contact HPDPS if they would like help scaring away a coyote.
University Park has not had an increase in coyote sightings at this time, a city spokesperson said. Residents can click HERE to view a map of reported coyote sightings.
Dallas residents should call 469-676-9813 to report coyote sightings, or 311 if an animal appears sick or injured.
To learn more about living with wildlife, visit the City of Dallas Animal Services website, or the Urban Wildlife in Highland Park webpage.