Coyote Management: Austin vs Pflugerville
How do coyote management rules compare between Austin, TX and Pflugerville, TX?
Pflugerville has fewer restrictions than Austin.
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 →Pflugerville, TX
Travis County
Coyotes are abundant across Hill Country edges of Travis County. TCAS does not trap or relocate healthy coyotes, but assists residents with hazing guidance and refers depredation cases to Texas Wildlife Services.
View full Pflugerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Lead agency | Austin Animal Services | Texas Wildlife Services |
| State authority | TX Parks & Wildlife Code 71 | - |
| Approach | Hazing first, lethal last | - |
| Discharge limit | No firearms in city | - |
| Reporting | Austin 311 or AAS | - |
| Classification | - | Nongame predator |
| Take by landowner | - | Allowed if damaging |
| TCAS role | - | Education and hazing |
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.
Pflugerville FAQ
Will TCAS trap a coyote in my yard?
No. TCAS only handles sick, injured, or directly aggressive coyotes. Healthy animals are managed through hazing and attractant removal by residents.
Can I shoot a coyote killing my chickens?
Texas law allows landowners to take depredating coyotes, but firearm discharge inside subdivisions or near roads remains restricted under county and state safety rules.
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