DeSoto, Texas, launched an overnight coyote culling operation early Tuesday morning, warning residents not to panic if they heard gunfire echoing through their neighborhoods.
The city initiated the lethal removal program at 2 a.m. on October 29, in response to recent coyote attacks on pets that had alarmed local officials.
The drastic measure highlights growing tensions between suburban expansion and wildlife habitats across North Texas. As development encroaches on natural areas, confrontations between humans and coyotes have become increasingly common.
“Don’t be alarmed if you hear gunfire during this time,” the city posted on social media, attempting to calm residents about the late-night operation.
“USDA Wildlife Services personnel are conducting the operation exclusively from vehicles. They’re coordinating directly with DeSoto police throughout the process.”
The announcement sparked immediate backlash from residents concerned about ecological consequences. Many questioned whether killing coyotes would solve the problem or create new ones.
Sheena De La O, a local resident, defended the coyotes on her property. “They help keep the other critters in check—squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks. Please don’t kill them,” she wrote on social media, according to Fox 4 KDFW.
Mary Riley-Samuels, who says she studied North Texas predators, called the approach misguided. “Coyotes are keystone species that impact the rest of the ecosystem. Killing off coyotes will greatly reduce species richness in the area.”
She warned the strategy would backfire. “Additionally, coyotes will have more babies to replace their reduced population, making this method ineffective.”
The city hasn’t disclosed how many coyotes it plans to remove. Officials also haven’t provided details about the pet attacks that prompted the operation.