Are You At Risk Of Being Attacked By A Coyote In Texas?

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In Arlington, Texas this week authorities had to close a park after three children were bitten by at least one coyote in different instances since Saturday. In fact, the first child was bitten back on February 10th. Members of the Arlington Police Department and Animal Services were able to catch a coyote Thursday morning according to WFAA.

Since the bitings, many in Texas have been talking about coyotes and how big of a threat they pose to humans and other animals.

Where Are Coyotes Located in Texas?

It's important to point out that coyotes live across the state of Texas and the nation. Coyotes have been able to adapt to the expansion of human communities being built in what was once rural area. Now coyotes can be found in urban and suburban areas. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the plains of West Texas is one of the areas most associated with coyotes.

"The adaptability of the Coyote and its acute sense of survival make it difficult to identify preferred habitat, although they most typically are associated with open plains in the West and brushy areas in the East."

Are Coyotes A Threat To Humans?

Coyotes are wild animals, so yes they can be a threat to humans and to other animals, like dogs and cats. But that doesn't mean they are out looking for a fight against humans. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, coyotes are "very wary of humans" but can become accustomed to humans. Coyotes will sometimes live a lone or sometimes in packs of up to 6 and they will eat just about anything dead or alive.

What Do You Do If You See A Coyote?

According to WFAA, if you are out and see a coyote. Don't approach it or try to pet it. Remember, it's not a household dog. Call 911 and in order to scare it off, try these things:

• Use your body: The simplest method of hazing is making yourself loud and large. Stand tall, wave your arms and yell at the coyote until it runs away.
• Use noisemakers: Try sounding off whistles, air horns, or bells; shake soda cans filled with pennies or pebbles; stomp your feet or bang pots and pans together.
• Use projectiles: Toss sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls or rubber balls near the coyote to startle it (do not attempt to hit the coyote with these objects).
• Others: Spray the coyote with a hose or fill a water gun or spray bottle with vinegar water and spray at them. Pepper spray and bear repellant may also be used.

This is also the breeding season for coyotes, so seeing them in nature shouldn't be surprising.