Coyote Management: Austin vs Denver
How do coyote management rules compare between Austin, TX and Denver, CO?
Austin and Denver 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 →Denver, CO
Denver County
Denver Parks & Recreation and Colorado Parks & Wildlife share urban coyote response. Denver promotes hazing under its Urban Wildlife Plan; lethal removal is reserved for aggressive animals. Feeding wildlife is prohibited under DRMC chapter 8.
View full Denver rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Lead agency | Austin 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 | - |
| Lead agencies | - | Denver Parks plus CPW |
| Default response | - | Hazing and education |
| Feeding wildlife | - | Prohibited DRMC 8 |
| Lethal removal | - | Aggressive animals 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.
Denver FAQ
Can I shoot a coyote attacking my Denver pet?
Generally no inside Denver city limits. Firearms are barred in most of the city. Colorado law allows lethal protection of livestock but coyote response in Denver is handled by CPW and Denver Animal Protection.
What should I do if I see a coyote in my Denver yard?
Haze it loudly: yell, clap, throw small objects without harming it. Bring pets inside and secure trash. Report aggressive or daytime-bold coyotes to 311 and CPW dispatch immediately.
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