Coyote Management: Austin vs Dallas
How do coyote management rules compare between Austin, TX and Dallas, TX?
Austin and Dallas have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin Animal Services follows a hazing-first coyote management plan emphasizing public education, deterrence, and habitat modification. Texas Parks & Wildlife treats coyotes as nongame furbearers; lethal removal is reserved for documented aggressive or sick animals threatening human safety.
View full Austin rules →Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas Animal Services follows a hazing-first coyote management policy. Texas Parks and Wildlife classifies coyotes as nongame; residents may legally haze coyotes to restore fear of humans, while lethal removal is reserved for confirmed aggressive animals.
View full Dallas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Lead agency | Austin Animal Services | Dallas Animal Services |
| State authority | TX Parks & Wildlife Code 71 | - |
| Approach | Hazing first, lethal last | - |
| Discharge limit | No firearms in city | - |
| Reporting | Austin 311 or AAS | - |
| Primary tool | - | Hazing to restore fear |
| State classification | - | Coyotes are nongame |
| Feeding ban | - | Dallas Code Chapter 7 |
| Lethal removal | - | Confirmed aggression only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Can I shoot or trap a coyote in my Austin yard?
Generally no. Austin prohibits firearm discharge inside city limits and restricts trap types. Report bold or sick coyotes to 311 and let Austin Animal Services investigate before any lethal action is considered.
How do I haze a coyote correctly?
Stand tall, make eye contact, wave your arms, shout, and throw small objects toward but not at the coyote. Never run. Austin Animal Services publishes a hazing guide reinforcing this consistent response across neighbors.
Dallas FAQ
Can Dallas Animal Services trap a coyote in my yard?
Generally no. Dallas Animal Services responds when coyotes show no fear of humans, stalk leashed pets, or bite. Routine sightings prompt hazing guidance, not trapping, since Texas Parks and Wildlife discourages relocation of nongame predators.
Is it legal to feed a coyote in Dallas?
No. Dallas Code Chapter 7 prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife and unsecured food sources that attract coyotes. Citations also apply to leaving pet food outside, unsecured trash, or fallen fruit accumulating near homes.
Compare other topics
See how Austin and Dallas compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool