Coyotes in Central Texas: Biology, Behavior & Problems

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Overview

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are highly adaptable wild canines that have become a permanent part of the Central Texas landscape, including urban areas like Austin and rural communities across the Highland Lakes region. While they play a role in the ecosystem by controlling rodents and rabbits, coyotes often create conflicts with people, pets, livestock—and even local wildlife.

At The Wildlife Management Company, we specialize in safe, humane, and effective coyote removal and deterrence services. If you’re experiencing frequent sightings or attacks on pets, livestock, or wildlife on your property, it’s time to call our expert team.

Biology & Behavior

Coyotes are medium-sized canines, typically weighing between 20–45 pounds. They have long snouts, upright ears, and bushy tails, often carried low. Their coats are gray to light brown, offering excellent camouflage in brushy or semi-open areas.

• Lifespan: 10–14 years in the wild
• Reproduction: Breeding occurs from January to March, with litters born in April or May. A female coyote may produce 4–8 pups.
• Diet: Opportunistic omnivores; they eat rodents, rabbits, fruits, insects, pet food, and carrion. Coyotes also prey on fawns during whitetail deer birthing season and may target small livestock.
• Habitat: While they prefer open plains and brush country, coyotes are now common in suburban neighborhoods, greenbelts, golf courses, and even downtown corridors.

Coyotes as Nuisance Wildlife

Coyotes are among the most frequently reported nuisance species in Central Texas. Here’s how they cause problems:

• Pet Attacks: Small dogs and outdoor cats are vulnerable, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Livestock Losses: Goats, sheep, chickens, and even newborn calves may be targeted.
• Predation on Deer Fawns: In rural and semi-rural areas, coyotes significantly impact local whitetail deer populations by preying on vulnerable fawns during spring and early summer.
• Bold Urban Behavior: In areas with frequent human activity, coyotes can lose their natural wariness and begin roaming during daylight hours.
• Denning in Yards: Coyotes may dig dens under sheds, decks, or outbuildings to raise pups.
• Health Concerns: Coyotes can carry and transmit diseases like mange, distemper, and rabies.

Signs of Coyote Activity

• Tracks with oval-shaped toe pads and visible claw marks
• High-pitched yipping, howling, or barking—often at night
• Scattered feathers, bones, or partially eaten carcasses
• Visual sightings of individual coyotes or small packs

Coyote Removal & Control in Austin and Central Texas

At The Wildlife Management Company, our licensed wildlife biologists use time-tested field techniques and modern deterrents to handle coyote problems effectively. Our services include:

• Property Inspection & Risk Assessment
• Safe, Legal Trapping & Removal
• Den Detection & Exclusion
• Livestock & Pet Safety Consultation
• Habitat Modification Strategies

We prioritize humane practices and tailor solutions to your property’s unique layout and risk level.

Service Area

We proudly serve Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Llano, Burnet, Johnson City, Fredericksburg, and surrounding Central Texas communities.

Contact Us Today

Concerned about coyotes preying on your pets, livestock, or wildlife? Contact The Wildlife Management Company at 512-364-1523 or visit www.thewildlifemanagementcompany.com. We provide expert coyote removal and long-term wildlife management solutions—because we’ve done it all, and we do it better.