Animal Care Services receives many calls regarding public safety. While we know that there is great concern about wildlife attacking people, the risk is very low. Most of the wildlife with which we share our cities is very adaptable – as is the coyote. They are one of the most adaptable species on the planet. Because they eat a variety of foods which are abundant in cities and are opportunistic, they find more than enough food in urban neighborhoods. Often, coyotes living in the Coastal Bend area are actually building dens in the sand dunes; coming out throughout the day to seek food.
Coyotes are omnivores, meaning they eat plants and animals, like so many of our urban wildlife (skunks, opossums, raccoons); and they are opportunistic, meaning they prefer to find the easiest meal. All urban wildlife species eat a variety of urban food – from mice, dog food and cat food left outside, rotting fruit under trees, overflowing bird seed on the ground, even food that is thrown out of car windows into the ditch. However, coyotes tend to make people nervous – because of their larger size. Coyotes in the Texas are actually smaller than many people think – averaging only around 30 pounds, only about 1 ½ feet tall at the shoulder.
The easiest way to assist with keeping coyotes wild and away from your home is to remove the food source. To learn more about how to deter coyotes, please visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife web page.
