Dallas consider ordinance against feeding wildlife to thwart coyotes

Dallas officials recommend a new city ordinance that bans residents from feeding wildlife, and carries a fine, as part of a plan to manage coyotes.

Dallas Animal Services and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department presented a draft of their coyote management plans to residents at the Lake Highland Recreational Center Monday evening. The plan also calls for a public database that tracks coyote sightings and a public education campaign about keeping the animals at bay.

“I’m thankful for the progress that has been made. Hopefully we will have something that keeps all the kids and residents safe,” said Council member Adam McGough, who represents Lake Highlands.

After a 2 year-old boy was hospitalized in critical condition from a coyote attack in Lake Highlands in early May, community members have called for more comprehensive regulation and response plan.

The toddler was sitting on his porch in the 9200 block of Royalpine Drive, near White Rock Trail, Tuesday, May 3, when he was attacked by a coyote. Ann Barnes, assistant general manager of field services, told the Dallas Morning News that the DAS has recieved no followup on the boys condition since the previous community meeting on May 9, when he was reported to be recovering.

Three coyotes were killed in the area shortly after the attack, it’s difficult to know if the same animal was killed. A total of four coyotes have been tested for rabies since the incident in early May, and none was positive.

Monday’s meeting marked the near finalization of the coyote management plan, as the DAS sought input from area residents. Whitney Bollinger, assistant director at Dallas Animal Services, expects the plan to be finalized in the coming weeks, which will include a comprehensive education plan packet available online and the roll out of a publicly available tracking data set and online reporting system for various levels of coyote interaction.

Since May, the department has implemented a coyote reporting hotline service. Residents call 469-676-9813 to report sightings of coyotes and signs of coyotes. Bollinger said the hotline has since received 275 calls from within the city and 45 from outside of the city.

Officials said the anti-feeding ordinance could have exceptions for bird feeders and registered community cat colonies, and as well as veterinarians and city animal officials.

Bollinger said DAS has also been in contact with the city’s code department to develop responses to code violations that result in attractive places for coyotes to make their dens.

She said it’s is now pup season for coyotes. “A lot of people will think there is an infestation during these times, but they are just on the move,” she said.

Brett Johnson, City of Dallas urban biologist, said no other coyotes have been killed after the three in early May.

Residents expressed frustration with the city after the incident in May and what they said was a delayed response to coyote presence in the area. Some residents said the city had placed blame on them for feeding wildlife.

Dallas Animal Services said they never intended to blame residents for aggressive coyote behavior, in response to initial criticism.

Officials said if residents see a coyote, they should not turn and walk away, but rather make themselves large and loud so the animal does not become accustomed to human behavior.

Residents who encounter an urban coyote should report the coyote sighting by calling the hotline at 469-676-9813.

Arlington and Frisco residents can report coyote and other wildlife sightings to their respective wildlife reporting maps.