Coyote experts in Central Texas tell KVUE that they are now receiving more calls about coyote sightings, mainly in the West Austin area.
According to Randy Farrar of the Texas Agrilife Extension Wildlife Management, there were six sightings of coyotes in June, 17 in July, 30 in August and 40 sightings last month. Farrar did not specify if the number of sightings were for Central Texas or just the Austin area.
Farrar says the reason there’s a perception that there are more coyotes roaming the West Austin area is because coyote pups born in the spring are now moving around this time of year.
“They're traveling all up and down streets, they're going up and down the greenbelts," said Farrar. "They're just looking for empty space this time of year.”
The Tarrytown neighborhood in West Austin recently reported more sightings of coyotes, especially near the Lions Municipal Golf Course.
“When it starts to get dark, you'll see them running across the fairways and they just kind of stand there and look at you like it's no big thing,” said Kavin Kelp, who regularly plays golf at the Lions Municipal Golf Course.
Coyote experts warn the public about feeding the canines. They go on to say to walk pets on a leash and to keep dogs and cats in kennels or indoors at night. Dog and cat food should also be put up at night and not left indoors.
Coyotes can weigh anywhere from 20-40 pounds and are known to mainly feast on deer and other small animals. They’re mostly active at dawn and at dusk.
Anyone who sees a coyote, regardless of the time of day or location, is asked to call 311 to report the sighting.
