More local coyotes may be becoming less afraid to approach humans.
The City of Fort Worth is warning residents about the local coyote populations, also called “ghosts of the plains” and, more recently, “ghosts of cities.” City officials note that these animals, often found living in parks and neighborhoods, typically remain unseen by those living in urban settings as they prefer to avoid contact with humans. However, according to the city, some of these coyotes appear to have “become brave” and are approaching people.
As such, city officials have outlined actions to coexist with the coyotes safely. These actions include attempting to scare away a coyote if one is encountered by throwing an object in its direction while yelling and waving one’s arms, keeping pets on a leash, not leaving young children unattended, and more.
“Wildlife plays an important part in our ecological system, and it’s essential to make sure we keep them in that role,” said Code Compliance Superintendent Chris Lirette in a news release. “It’s important for people living in areas where coyotes are present to understand their behavior and how to coexist safely with them.”
“If you see or hear a coyote, that does not mean it’s a threat. It just means you live in a city with a diversity of wildlife,” said Michelle Villafranca, Fort Worth Park & Recreation’s natural resource planner. “Coyotes serve important ecological functions as our native predators, including rodent control, helping maintain deer, rabbit and feral hog and feral cat populations.”
Human encounters with wild coyotes appear to be growing across the metroplex. Arlington officials recently captured a coyote that had allegedly bitten three local children in Parkway Central Park, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
