AUSTIN -- Coyotes and bobcats are indigenous to Central Texas, even in a city as big as Austin, but they tend to be more active in January and February since it is breeding season.
After noticing a large increase in the amount of tweets and emails mentioning coyotes and bobcats in Austin, KVUE spoke to a wildlife biologist to get some answers.
"This common misconception that they're aren't bobcats and coyotes in cities is just not true,” said wildlife biologist John Davis with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Davis says there likely has not been an increase in the amount of coyotes and bobcats in the Austin area, but they are more visible right now.
Davis says coyotes and bobcats typically adapt well in urban areas, despite growth and the increase in construction.
"They can eat almost anything, live almost anywhere so they do quite well in urban environments,” said Davis, who notes they can live under decks, in culverts and green spaces typical in Austin area neighborhoods.
Davis and a group of researchers recently did a study on bobcat habits in urban areas. They tracked bobcats living in Fort Worth and Davis said he was surprised by what they found.
"We were finding bobcats right up next to highways and right next to neighborhoods,” Davis said.
In most cases the animals were trying to hide from humans and showed no signs of aggression.
If you do see a coyote or bobcat acting aggressively, Davis recommends “making yourself large, throw things at the animal, scare the animal away."
In addition, if you want to keep bobcats and coyotes out of your backyard make sure and get rid of any food source especially cat and dog food.
For more information on how to deal with coyotes, go here.
