Pet’s Death Prompts Park Cities Coyote Warnings
Highland Park officials are warning residents to take precautions after a coyote killed a family’s small dog last week in the backyard of a home in the 3300 block of Dartmouth Avenue.
“As much of a pet friendly community we are – and a pet lover myself – this one is tough to write,” Lt. Lance Koppa said in an email to residents.
(ABOVE: A coyote photo from the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.)
The fatal attack on the 13-pound pet occurred around 9 p.m. Jan. 23.
Town leaders are encouraging residents to report coyote sightings and have set up an online form for doing so.
University Park officials also are raising concerns about increased coyote sightings in recent weeks.
Kappa said town officials reviewed the incident with urban wildlife experts, who passed along information to keep in mind regarding coyotes:
1) Coyotes are more active during this period of the year due to mating season, thus more sightings;
2) Dawn and dusk are generally the times that coyotes are most active;
3) Walk pets on a leash;
4) Coyotes are wary of people – supervise small breed dogs while they’re outside;
5) Secure lids on outdoor trash cans;
6) Check fencing for void spaces;
7) Immediately report any animal to local authorities that appears sick, injured, or aggressive.
