Coyote

Coyotes are very clever and adaptable animals. They are found all across North America in the country side and in most large cities, including Arlington. They are opportunistic eaters and hunt rodents, rabbits, frogs and fish. They will also eat insects, fruit, grass, garbage and carrion. Because they sometimes will kill livestock or pets, many people consider them destructive pests. Coyote attacks on people are extremely rare. Most of the few coyote bites that happen nationally are related to humans feeding the animals.

Coyotes are generally afraid of people, but it is not unusual to see a coyote out during the day as they will search for food, or search for another sleeping location, if spooked. There are instances where coyotes exhibit a brazenness that may alarm people. This does not necessarily mean the animal is sick. Many coyotes in urban environments have become habituated to humans because they associate humans with food sources. Many people intentionally or unintentionally feed the animals by either leaving out unsecured trash, pet food outside, or by not limiting feed at bird feeders. People can help the coyote by making them wary of humans by using negative reinforcement. To do this, make a loud, scary noise by yelling, clapping, banging pot lids or using an air horn. You can also yell and throw rocks at the coyotes to get them to run away.

Coyotes are much smaller than wolves and communicate with a distinctive call, which at night often develops into quite a chorus. To get more information about the Urban Coyote, please follow the links below.

Reference sources: 911 Wildlife and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department 

Coyote and Bobcat Mitigation Plan for Encounters

View Map of Wildlife Sightings

Click on the arrow tab below to view the legend, and scroll in to view an area of interest for locations of reported coyote sightings.

Report a Coyote Sighting

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