Yikes! Coyotes in Houston?
Houston, We Have a Problem (or at Least a Furry Visitor)
So, you’re sitting there, minding your own business, maybe enjoying a nice cup of sweet tea, when suddenly you hear a yip outside your window. Your heart skips a beat. Could it be? A coyote? Yep, you heard right. Those bushy-tailed, cunning critters have decided to trade in their deserts for the concrete jungle.
Coyotes: The New Texans?
It's like those coyotes watched one too many episodes of "Friday Night Lights" and decided, "Hey, I could totally rock that cowboy hat." And you know what? They're kinda nailing it. These city-slickin’ coyotes are more adaptable than a Kardashian. They’ve gone from hunting rabbits to raiding your trash can with the finesse of a seasoned dumpster diver.
But seriously, why are they here?
Well, it's a classic tale of urban sprawl. As Houston grows, so does its wild side. More green spaces, more food scraps, and fewer natural predators mean coyotes are like, "Houston, we have a buffet!" It's a win-win for them, but maybe not so much for your beloved chihuahua.
Living with Our New Wild Neighbors
So, how do we coexist with these furry intruders? Well, first off, let's ditch the panic. Coyotes are generally shy and avoid confrontation. It's more likely you'll spot one from afar than have a face-to-face. But still, it's important to be cautious.
- Secure your trash: Coyotes are opportunists. If your garbage is a smorgasbord, they're gonna be all over it. So, invest in a sturdy trash can and put it out on garbage day only.
- Keep pets indoors: Your fluffy friend is not a match for a coyote. It's safer to keep them inside, especially at night.
- Don't feed wildlife: This includes birds, squirrels, and even your neighbor's cat. Feeding wildlife attracts coyotes.
- Make noise: Coyotes are typically scared of humans. If you see one, make yourself loud and big. Yell, clap, or bang pots and pans.
- Secure your yard: Fences can be a deterrent, but remember, coyotes can climb.
How to... Coyote Edition
- How to avoid a coyote encounter: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
- How to scare a coyote away: Make yourself as big and loud as possible. Yelling, clapping, or using a noisemaker can deter them.
- How to protect your pets: Keep your pets indoors, especially at night. If you must let them out, supervise them closely.
- How to secure your property: Invest in a sturdy fence and secure any potential entry points for coyotes.
- How to coexist with coyotes: Remember, coyotes are part of the ecosystem. By taking precautions, you can learn to live harmoniously with them.
So, there you have it. Coyotes might be the new face of Houston's wildlife, but it's not the end of the world. With a little caution and respect for nature, we can all learn to share the city. Just remember, if you see a coyote doing a TikTok dance, it's probably time to call animal control.