Wichita Falls residents are reporting more and more coyote sightings — and it’s where these coyotes are roaming that’s putting residents on alert.
Residents over by Weeks Park, in particular, say they’ve seen coyotes at all times of the day, and that makes them uneasy. Especially those who have small pets.
Erin Hudson was driving home, just a little after 10 P.M. when she spotted something she certainly didn’t expect to see.
“I saw something run across the road and initially I thought, ‘Oh it’s a dog! I need to stop and see if that dogs okay,'” Hudson said. “So I was starting to pull over and I rolled down my window so that I could get a better look at it. I realized whoa that’s not a dog.”
Animal services administrator, Katrina Mitchell, says mating season is to blame for the recent sightings.
“One of the problem areas we have right now is near Lake Wichita Park,” Mitchell said. “It has water, it has resources, it has hiding spaces. So they’re going to be there.”
Mitchell says if you see a coyote it’s best to let it be. She says usually the animals are more afraid of you than you are of them.
A few tips to keep coyotes away:
1. Do not feed them. Eliminate any food or water sources from your yard or property.
2. Make sure bird feeders are placed high.
3. Place all trash and garbage in secure containers.
4. Feed your pets inside.
5. Make sure you have a secure fence around your home.
6. Trim any shrubbery that could serve as a hiding spot.
6. Supervise all children and pets when they are outside.
(Information from TexomasHomepage.com)
