FRISCO, Texas — The Frisco Police Department has issued a stern warning: Stop feeding the coyotes.
The message posted on Facebook Thursday says there have been reports of residents leaving food out for coyotes and other wildlife. Frisco PD said this poses a significant risk to the community.
According to the Urban Coyote Research Project, the most effective way to prevent coyote attacks is to eliminate wildlife feeding. Coyotes are also considered rabies vectors. Anyone who is bitten by one has to undergo rabies vaccines.
While the animals rarely pose any risk to humans they can pose a much greater danger to small pets and most recently children.
Back in February, a coyote was euthanized after three children were attacked by a coyote in separate incidents near Parkway Central Park in Arlington. All three children who were bitten were treated for their injuries and received post-exposure rabies treatment.
Officials say if you run into a coyote, call 911 and don’t approach it. Try these hazing techniques to scare it off:
- Use your body: The simplest method of hazing is making yourself loud and large. Stand tall, wave your arms and yell at the coyote until it runs away.
- Use noisemakers: Try sounding off whistles, air horns, or bells; shake soda cans filled with pennies or pebbles; stomp your feet or bang pots and pans together.
- Use projectiles: Toss sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls or rubber balls near the coyote to startle it (do not attempt to hit the coyote with these objects).
- Others: Spray the coyote with a hose or fill a water gun or spray bottle with vinegar water and spray at them. Pepper spray and bear repellant may also be used.
