25/01/2021
Coyotes
Let’s talk about coyotes for a second. We’ve received a few calls about coyote sightings so we wanted to relay some useful information. Right now is coyote season. They breed from mid-January to early March. Meaning, it’s normal that you may see them roaming around your neighborhoods. During the weeks following the birth of their pups, the male will bring food to the family. Just in case you were wondering.
One thing we would like to express is the Police Department, our Animal Control Officers and even Texas Game Wardens DO NOT capture coyotes. If you see them roaming around, unless there’s an emergency, just let them be. As always, call 911 of you have an emergency! Here are some tips:
1. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash.
This length is long enough to let your dog have some freedom but not so long that you can’t easily control your dog should you need to, especially at a moment’s notice. Retractable leashes are of little help to a dog owner, since it is very difficult to reel your dog back in if they are pulling on a long line way ahead of you.
2. Avoid areas known to have coyote activity, especially during breeding and pupping season.
If there are signs posted or you’ve heard neighbors report coyotes sighted in a certain area, make the COMMON-SENSE decision to avoid walking your dog in those areas. This is especially important during pupping season when mother and father coyotes will be more defensive of their den sites.
3. Stick to trails and open paths, and avoid areas with thick brush.
Going off trail, following game trails, or heading into areas where there is thick brush lining the path increases your chances of running into a coyote. Staying on trail in open areas gives you plenty of time to spot and react to a coyote.
4. Avoid walking your dog at sunrise and sunset hours.
Coyotes are naturally active during the day, though urban coyotes usually switch to nocturnal behavior. Either way, they are often active at twilight hours. If you’re walking your dog during sunrise or sunset, be aware that it increases your chances of an interaction with a coyote.
If you follow these simple rules, you’re way ahead of the game in enjoying a quiet walk with your dog with little chance of seeing, let alone interacting with a coyote. Truly, the most important rule is simply following all leash laws. Even if there is an area of open space where dogs are allowed off leash, unleash your dog ONLY if your dog has a solid and reliable recall. This simple behavior alone would send the number of dog-coyote conflicts plummeting.
We hope these tips can help ease your dog walking routines. It is important to know what to do if you come across one. Be safe out there!
