The Reason You Are Seeing More Coyotes Now During Daylight Hours In Texas

Different animals become more active at different times throughout the year. Right now, it is coyotes that are on the move.

Warnings Issued as Summer Coyote Pup Season Increases Local Sightings

Summer in Texas marks the peak of coyote pup season, prompting animal health professionals to urge local pet owners to exercise extra caution. With young coyotes maturing throughout the warmer months, increased foraging behavior is leading to more frequent interactions between urban wildlife and Texas residents.

Mother Coyotes Work Overtime to Feed Growing Litters

Dr. Michael Vallon, a veterinarian at Pet Circle Regional Animal Center, tells KXXV that coyote litters are typically born in early spring, around April or May. These pups remain dependent on their mama until roughly October, forcing female coyotes to spend the summer hunting aggressively to nourish themselves, nurse their young, and eventually provide solid food for their growing offspring.

Protective Mamas

Because maternal instincts are heightened during this window, mama coyotes become fiercely protective of their den sites. This intense search for food leads to a surge in daytime coyote sightings. Dr. Vallon dispels the widespread myth that encountering a coyote during daylight hours indicates the animal has rabies, noting that the harsh summer heat, limited water supply, and demand for food drive them to hunt at all hours.

Rabies Concerns

Even though a coyote moving around during the daytime does not denote a case of rabies, health officials emphasize that coyotes remain a high-risk vector for rabies within the state. Consequently, veterinarians and municipal animal control agencies urge residents to adopt proactive home safety measures.

Safety Tips to Coyote Proof Your Home

Like any animal, coyotes are gonna do what coyotes wanna do, but you can make your house and land less attractive to them.

Maintain Mandatory Vaccinations: Ensure all your pets are up to date on rabies shots.

Eliminate Food Sources: Secure household trash, clean up fallen fruit from backyard trees, and remove birdseed or leftover grease from outdoor barbecue grills.

Adjust Feeding Practices: Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. If feeding stray or outdoor cats, place bowls on elevated porches close to the home where wild predators are less likely to venture.

Supervise Pets: Keep a close watch on domestic animals when they are in yards, utilizing outdoor cameras or frequent physical check-ins.

Who You Gonna Call? Not The Police!

As more calls come in about coyote sitings, remember that local officials are not in the coyote trapping business. If you follow the safety tips above, you should have no problems with the coyotes.