April 2021

From the City of Plano ...  Tips to Help Bobcats and Coyotes Remain Wild

As our days warm up, more bobcats, coyotes and other wildlife are out and about looking for food. If you want to keep them away from your home, reduce the appeal of your yard by not being a food source:  

• NEVER provide food or water for coyotes or bobcats. Over time, this makes these animals become too comfortable with humans, which puts their safety at risk around less-friendly people. It also confuses them into thinking your small pet is another meal. 
• Feed pets indoors or promptly remove dishes when pets finish a meal outside. Store bags of pet food indoors as well. 
• Clear brush and dense weeds from your property. This prevents rodents from sheltering nearby and reduces protective cover for coyotes and bobcats. 
• City trash carts are fairly secure. However, if you store trash in other ways, be sure to secure the lids tightly or put it indoors. 
• Food left outdoors for other wildlife may also attract coyotes and bobcats. This habit increases the number of rodents, skunks, birds and other creatures that are in the bobcat's and coyote's natural diet. 

Our goal is to provide a healthy environment for the wildlife and human residents of Plano to coexist. We do not relocate healthy wildlife. However, if you notice an injured animal in your neighborhood, please call Animal Services at 972-769-4360.