The Dangerous Predator Problem In Houston, Texas, That Keeps Growing

In a perfect world, people wouldn't have to worry about predators snatching their beloved canine and feline companions from their yards; humans and wild animals could safely coexist in the same place. In the real world, however, this isn't the case. Wild animals can threaten humans and small animals when they start hunting near their homes. Residents of certain Houston, Texas, neighborhoods know this all too well, as they've been reporting an increase in coyote sightings over the past seven months, and some of their pets have gone missing.

A homeowner in the Montrose area told KHOU11 in March that he's never seen a coyote near his home in the 55 years he's lived there. His neighbors have been singing a different song, though, as they've been busy posting photos and videos on social media of the predators lurking near their yards and sidewalks. The El Camino South neighborhood of Houston has also had confirmed sightings in September and November of 2024, according to a private community Facebook group seen by Cuteness.

Coyote mating season spans from mid-January to early March, and from October to January, many young coyotes leave their family packs. These seasons of high activity could explain the Montrose spring sightings and El Camino South fall sightings. The appearances of these predators have raised concerns throughout these Houston neighborhoods for obvious reasons, serving as a reminder of the importance of protecting your pets.

If you live near a coyote habitat, take safety precautions, especially if these carnivorous canines have been spotted on your street recently. Wild and domestic dogs have a lot in common, including their need for meat and water. Entering a yard in close proximity to humans might not be a coyote's first choice of where to find them, but if their search is successful, it might be their first choice later. Remove all food and water sources from your yard, and make sure your trash bins have lids and that bags are securely tied. Don't give coyotes a reason to stay or return.

Another important "don't" to consider involves feeding coyotes intentionally. Some people think that feeding a wild dog could prevent it from hunting small dogs (such as those that weigh under 10 pounds) and cats later, but instead, it could actually further endanger them. It puts other humans in danger, too, because it can increase coyote visits and aggressive behavior, which could result in attacks and even deaths. This is why you should never feed coyotes.

Aim to protect your pets by any means necessary. Don't leave them outdoors overnight or unattended in your yard during the day unless they're in a predator-proof enclosure; although coyotes are most active after sunset and at night, they hunt during the day as well. You may also want to consider coyote-proof fencing or coyote rollers to keep them out of your yard. Purchasing a Coyote vest for your dog or cat is another option.