3 minute read
Firehouse’s tips can keep your pet safe when in backyards or on Austin trails.
Coyotes, bobcats, and Great Horned Owls are the big 3 common predators in Central Texas. Hawks are further down on the list, but active hunters. Pet parents should protect their small pets.
Overall, seeing a predator is not an immediate emergency. In most cases, the animal will move on if ignored. However, if wildlife approaches your pet, step between the animal and your dog or cat. Make yourself as big as possible, make noise, and throw objects if necessary.
1. Supervise outdoor time when it’s dark
These common neighborhood predators are most active at dawn, dusk, and after dark.
Stand near your pets. Or leash them for the day’s last potty break.
Before heading outside in the dark, turn on backyard lights to scan for unexpected wildlife.
Don’t assume a fence will keep a coyote or other wildlife out of your backyard. If needed, install coyote rollers at the top of your fence.
Trim shrubs and weeds along your fence to limit hiding spots for predators.
Consider using covered outdoor play areas for smaller pets (like catios for cats) or hang netting above grassy areas to protect dogs from owls.
Don’t leave your pet’s food outside. Lock your trash cans with a clamp or bungee cord.
And never feed wildlife. It’s illegal to feed coyotes in Central Texas since it can lead to dangerous situations between humans (both kids and adults) and animals (both pets and wildlife). If you see someone feeding, call 311 or the Texas Wildlife Services office in San Antonio at 210.472.5451.
Loud noises threaten coyotes and bobcats.
- Bring a whistle on your walks or an air horn on hikes.
- Dr Davis suggests this DIY noisemaker option: make a shaker out of rice in a can.
- One of Dr Davis’s neighbors plays music in their yard to dissuade wildlife from coming close to the house.
- Or just clap your hands!
You can also install motion-sensor lights outside your home to help deter nocturnal predators like owls.
Let local wildlife services know about coyotes or bobcats spotted on your street or along your neighborhood’s footpaths. They want to monitor and manage predator activity.
If Your Pet Is Attacked:
- Get to your pet by scaring away the predator with loud noises.
- Seek help if your pet is injured: Call Firehouse or visit the emergency vet after hours.
- Report the incident: Call local wildlife services. They track predator activity and take necessary actions to protect the community.
- Take preventive measures after an attack. Review and strengthen your pet safety measures to prevent future incidents.
Protect your pet. Understand wildlife habits:
Coyotes are both urban and rural: they live and hunt in undeveloped lots, parks, neighborhoods, and even in commercial areas. They are generally fearful of humans but may see small pets as prey. Coyotes are most active in the dark. You can report coyote sightings and attacks at: http://www.austincoyotes.com/
Bobcats are also nocturnal hunters. They are drawn to food and can easily climb a fence.
Great Horned Owls: These powerful predators hunt silently at night, making it difficult for pets to detect them. They can carry off small animals under ~15 pounds. They live in tree-filled woods and near greenbelts.