Coyotes are a protected fur-bearing species under Indiana DNR rules, and Indianapolis relies on hazing, secured trash, and nuisance trapping rather than open hunting inside city limits to reduce conflicts.
Coyotes are classified as fur-bearers under Indiana Code 14-22-2 and 312 IAC 9-3, so Indianapolis cannot order open culling; instead Indianapolis Animal Care Services partners with Indiana DNR district biologists on hazing education and case-by-case nuisance removal. Discharging firearms inside Indianapolis is generally prohibited (Chapter 451), so trapping by a licensed nuisance wild animal control operator (NWCO) is the typical lethal option. Residents should secure trash bins, remove pet food, supervise small pets, and use noise hazing. Children's bus stops and parks near White River corridors are common conflict zones. Reports go to Mayor's Action Center 317-327-4622 and DNR's central office.
Illegal discharge of firearm citation, state poaching charges if a non-target species is taken, and ordinance fines for feeding coyotes or improperly secured garbage.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis requires dogs to be leashed or confined. IC Β§15-20-1 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites regardless of prior knowledge.
Indianapolis, IN
Feeding deer, raccoons, geese, or feral animals on Indianapolis property is treated as a nuisance when it attracts pests or wildlife, and Indiana DNR rules b...
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis accepts code violation reports through RequestIndy by phone at 317-327-4622, online at requestindy.indy.gov, or via the RequestIndy mobile app. ...
See how Indianapolis's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.