texas

Coyotes Sightings on the Rise in North Texas

A North Texas pest control service says its phone is ringing off the hook about coyote and bobcat sightings in residential areas.

"Coyotes and bobcats are nocturnal during the summer, but during the cooler months they're out in broad daylight," said Bonnie Bradshaw, with Plano-based 911 Wildlife.

Bradshaw said the only thing on the animals' minds is finding their next meal.

"It's counter-intuitive. Coyotes and bobcats actually find more food in residential neighborhoods," she said.

"There's 50 times more squirrels and rats and rabbits in a residential neighborhood than out in a undeveloped area," Bradshaw added.

Kristen Stout dealt with the unthinkable when her pet Dachshund was killed by coyotes.

Stout said she didn't think much of it when her golden lab started barking in the backyard of their Allen home.

But then she realized her smaller dog, Dapple, wasn't there and spotted coyotes in a field behind her house.

"You kind of prepare yourself for aging, but you don't prepare yourself for your dog to be dragged off by two coyotes," Stout said.

Bradshaw said coyotes and bobcats are becoming more comfortable around people because people take pictures or run away when they spot the animals.

She suggests clapping your hands, yelling at them or squirting them with a water gun to send the message that they're not welcome.

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