Coyotes are seen in University Park year-round. Coyotes eat plants and animals including skunks, possums and raccoons. Since they prefer to find easy meals, they are also attracted to:
- Dog and cat food that is left outside
- Rotting fruit under trees
- Bird seed on the ground (position bird feeders so that coyotes cannot get feed)
- Trash that is accessible due to garbage containers that are not properly secured
Do not feed feral cats. This may encourage coyotes to prey on them or to eat food left out for them. Don't leave small pets outside overnight or let them run free. Accompany your pet outside, especially at night. If you see a coyote in your yard, make noise and wave your arms. You can also spray it with a water hose. The coyote is likely to leave the area quickly after any of these actions.
If you see a coyote in your neighborhood, regardless of the time of day, if you choose to do so, you can report the sighting to UPPD dispatch using the non-emergency number 214-363-3000, or by filling out an online report.
The City keeps a list of the sightings so we can send a compilation of locations to Texas Wildlife Services (Division of the USDA) if it becomes necessary to proceed with trapping or lethal enforcement.
Map of recent coyote sightings
City's Coyote Conflict Management Policy
Learn more about coyotes in urban areas with USDA/Texas Wildlife Services Urban Biologist, Adam Henry.