LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – East Texans are reporting shrieking sounds in the night as coyote breeding season continues through early March.
Wildlife officials are urging residents to keep pets and small children safe during this active period.
Increased coyote sightings in Longview lead to growing caution for public safety(KLTV Viewer)
Steve Falconer, who lives near the Pine Tree area in Longview, says he often sees packs of coyotes near his backyard.
“You would be surprised how loud they get when they get in groups,” Falconer said.
Falconer caught several black coyotes on his security footage. Gregg County Game Warden Todd Long says the dark-colored pigment is rare.
“It’s called melanistic, but we do have them from time to time,” Long said.
Long says people call about wildlife injured by coyotes this time of year. He says if you come across an injured animal, it’s best to leave it alone.
“Many times, they have good intentions. They’re creating a ripple effect because now we have to find a rehabilitator to accept that injured or orphaned wildlife,” Long said.
Jenna George with the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center says keep a close eye on your small dogs and cats.
“If they are going to go outside, go outside with them. Don’t leave them unattended,” George said.
Falconer says he caught a coyote with a Boston terrier in its mouth a year ago. His dog ran off the coyote, and the Boston terrier survived.
“I can see that it would be a danger to pets if you let your pets run loose. There’s quite a few cats that run loose here, and I would be afraid for them,” Falconer said.
George says extra food and water sources left outside can be an invitation for wildlife, so it’s best to keep them inside.
Experts say some fences may not keep a coyote from your backyard. Coyotes can jump six to eight feet in the air.
Coyote sightings have increased in Longview during the animals’ mating season
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