Coyotes are protected nongame wildlife under Texas Parks and Wildlife jurisdiction. Houston BARC handles urban coyote complaints with hazing guidance, while lethal removal generally requires TPWD authorization or licensed wildlife control operators.
Under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, coyotes are classified as nongame wildlife, allowing landowners to take depredating animals on their own property using lawful means but otherwise restricting hunting and trapping. Within Houston city limits, firearm discharge is generally prohibited, so lethal control falls to TPWD wardens or licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators. BARC educates residents on hazing techniques such as making loud noise, waving arms, and removing food attractants. Pet owners are urged to keep small dogs and cats indoors at dawn and dusk, secure trash, and never feed coyotes. Aggressive or sick coyotes should be reported immediately to BARC and TPWD.
Illegally discharging firearms in city limits, using prohibited traps, or relocating wildlife without a permit violates Houston Code and Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, exposing residents to fines, license revocation, and criminal charges.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Houston, TX
Most native birds in Houston are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 64. Killing, capturing, or dist...
Houston, TX
Houston does not have a specific municipal ordinance prohibiting wildlife feeding on private property. City parks have rules managed by the Parks and Recreat...
Houston, TX
Houston Code Chapter 6, Art. III prohibits the possession of wild or exotic animals within city limits. It is unlawful for any person to keep any wild or exo...
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