Coyote sightings inside Jackson are handled through public education, removal of attractants, and case-by-case state-permitted trapping, with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife taking the lead on lethal control where coyotes show no fear of people.
As Jackson's developed footprint borders the Pearl River corridor and undeveloped tracts, coyote sightings have grown. The city does not run its own coyote-control program. Animal Control responds to immediate threats and refers ongoing issues to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, which licenses nuisance-wildlife trappers. Residents are urged to secure trash, feed pets indoors, supervise small dogs, and avoid leaving food outside, since habituation through feeding is the leading cause of bold coyote behavior in Jackson neighborhoods.
Discharging firearms in city limits to shoot a coyote can violate firearms ordinances; only licensed trappers and law enforcement may use lethal control inside Jackson.
Jackson, MS
Jackson Ch. 26 prohibits keeping wild, dangerous, or exotic animals within city limits, including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and most non-domesti...
Jackson, MS
Feeding deer, raccoons, feral cats, and other wildlife in ways that create nuisances or attract predators is restricted in Jackson, and intentional feeding o...
See how Jackson'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.