Coyotes

Reports of coyote sighting in Seabrook and the surrounding area are common. The information provided is intended to educate and assist in identifying and reporting problems with coyotes and other wildlife.

It is advised to NEVER feed coyotes or any wildlife for the matter. Feeding wildlife can make large, potentially dangerous animals become too comfortable in residential or recreational areas. Once animals learn they can panhandle for food, they can become a nuisance or worse, a safety risk.

Coyote - Stock Photo

In addition please be advised to:

  • Never leave pet food unattended outside.
  • Keep cats indoors
  • Do not leave dogs unattended outside (unless securely behind a privacy fence)
  • Ensure your pets are on a leash when outside

About Coyotes

Coyotes generally live in packs but hunt individually. The coyote diet consists mainly of small mammals including rabbits, mice, squirrels, carrion and insects. Although infrequent, coyotes have been known to prey on domesticated animals in suburban areas, such as Seabrook. Human injury from coyote attacks is extremely rare.

Coyotes are typically most active at night and increased sightings can be correlated with the January thru February breeding season and during the fall months when pups leave the family unit to establish new ranges. Coyotes are most often heard howling or yelping during these times of increased activity. Coyotes mainly range along creeks and in wooded areas and are continuously relocating.

Coyote Sightings

A random sighting of a coyote is not unusual and Animal Control need not be notified unless the animal creates a nuisance. Coyotes that have attacked domestic animal are considered a problem and Animal Control should then be contacted.

Since coyotes are considered a “high-risk species” for possibly carrying rabies, citizens should take care to avoid human (or pet) contact with the species. Coyotes exhibiting unusual behavior such as aggressiveness towards humans should be reported immediately by calling 911.

If you have any questions concerning coyotes or other problem wildlife, please contact Seabrook Animal Control by calling (281) 291.5644.

Solutions for Coyote Conflicts

As coyotes have expanded their range across North America, encounters with people have increased. These sometimes trigger an alarm in people who fear for the safety of their pets and children. To allay this, communities may feel they need to pay for wide-scale programs to remove coyotes from the population. These killing programs don’t work and are inhumane. Better solutions exist. Download "Why Killing Does Not Solve Conflicts with Coyotes" produced by the Humane Society to learn more.