Coyote Management: Dallas vs Fort Worth
How do coyote management rules compare between Dallas, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Dallas and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
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 →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth Animal Care and Control 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, with lethal removal reserved for confirmed aggressive animals.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Lead agency | Dallas Animal Services | FW Animal Care and Control |
| Primary tool | Hazing to restore fear | Hazing to restore fear |
| State classification | Coyotes are nongame | Coyotes are nongame |
| Feeding ban | Dallas Code Chapter 7 | Fort Worth Code Ch. 6 |
| Lethal removal | Confirmed aggression only | Confirmed aggression only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can Fort Worth Animal Care trap a coyote in my yard?
Generally no. Animal Care and Control 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 Fort Worth?
No. City Code Chapter 6 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 Dallas and Fort Worth 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