The Frisco Police Department is reminding residents not to feed coyotes or other wildlife, following recent reports of people doing so.
Since 2020, Frisco’s population has grown by 10.2%, and as the city continues to be built out, neighborhoods are encroaching onto wildlife territory. Frisco PD Officer Grant Cottingham previously told Local Profile, “the majority of the bobcats and coyotes that we come across in Frisco are natural to the area and are behaving normally.”
As Local Profile previously reported, bobcat sightings have also increased in Frisco.
Are Coyotes Dangerous?
Coyotes, while known to occasionally attack humans and pets, pose minimal risk to people, including children. But, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project, most attacks can be reduced or prevented by adjusting human behaviors.
An analysis of coyote attacks on humans in the United States and Canada reveals 142 reported incidents, resulting in a total of 159 victims. The majority of these encounters were categorized as either predatory (37%) or investigative (22%) in nature.
Here’s how residents can practice safety around coyotes:
Do Not Feed
The best way to prevent coyote attacks is to eliminate wildlife feeding. Feeding coyotes, intentionally or unintentionally, can cause them to lose their fear of humans and view people or pets as potential prey. Avoid bait stations, secure garbage and compost, and bring pet food indoors. Even bird feeders can attract rodents, which in turn attract coyotes. If coyote sightings increase, review your habits to ensure you're not unintentionally providing food.
Do Not Run
If you encounter a coyote, shout, wave your arms or throw something to scare it away — don’t run. During pupping season (May), avoid areas where coyotes seem defensive. Carry a noisemaker — it can be D.I.Y. like a can of rocks — to deter them. Seeing a coyote during the day could indicate it’s habituated to humans, so stay cautious and act boldly to discourage its approach.
Keep Pets Away
Coyotes often live nearby, even if unseen, so keep pets leashed during hikes and never leave them unattended outdoors, even in fenced areas. Electric fences contain pets but don’t deter wildlife. Free-ranging cats and feral colonies can also attract coyotes. Keep cats indoors and spay or neuter feral cats. Remove outdoor food when not in use to reduce attractants.
Report Aggressive Wildlife
Report coyotes that show aggression or lack fear of humans to the proper authorities promptly. Aggressive behaviors resemble those of domestic dogs, including unprovoked barking, raised hackles, snarling, growling and lunging.
Help keep urban wildlife wild by not feeding them and report incidents to 972.292.6010.
To learn more about coyote sightings and how to stay safe, visit the link here.
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