Coyotes in Lakes on Eldridge: What Residents Need to Know and How to Stay Safe
Several residents of Lakes on Eldridge have recently reported coyote sightings within the neighborhood, prompting concern and questions about safety and coexistence with wildlife. Given the community’s proximity to the Addicks Reservoir, it’s not surprising that coyotes—highly adaptable creatures—occasionally venture into suburban areas in search of food and shelter.
While rare, coyote encounters can be unsettling, particularly for families with small pets. According to wildlife experts, removing coyotes entirely from the area isn’t a viable or long-term solution. Instead, agencies like Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension strongly encourage residents to take preventative measures to minimize encounters and discourage coyotes from settling nearby.
Why Coyotes Appear in Suburban Areas
Coyotes are intelligent, resourceful animals that have learned to thrive near humans due to easy access to food and shelter. Suburban areas like Lakes on Eldridge, with green spaces, trails, and nearby natural habitats, provide an ideal environment for them—especially if food sources are readily available.
According to TPWD, coyotes typically avoid human interaction, but they may become bold if they find food or are not actively discouraged. They can pose a threat to unattended pets, especially small dogs and cats.
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What You Can Do to Prevent Coyote Encounters
Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce the likelihood of coyote activity in the neighborhood, many of which are recommended by both TPWD and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension:
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Avoid feeding wildlife – Never intentionally feed coyotes or other wild animals. Even feeding deer, rabbits, or feral cats can attract coyotes to your property.
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Secure trash and compost – Make sure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and compost piles are inaccessible to wildlife.
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Protect pet food – Feed pets indoors whenever possible. If you must feed outdoors, remove all leftover food promptly and store pet food inside.
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Remove hiding spots – Trim overgrown bushes and remove brush piles that may serve as cover for coyotes or their prey.
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Keep pets safe – Always accompany pets outside, especially after dusk. Walk dogs on a leash and never allow them to roam freely. Provide secure nighttime shelter.
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Reposition bird feeders – Place them where squirrels and rodents can’t access the feed, reducing the prey population that attracts coyotes.
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Use hazing techniques – If you see a coyote, make loud noises, wave your arms, or throw objects in its direction (not to injure, but to scare away). Coyotes that lose their fear of humans are more likely to become a problem.
Staying Informed and Working Together
The presence of coyotes isn’t new to Greater Houston communities near reservoirs or bayous, but raising awareness and sharing safety practices can help reduce potential conflicts. If sightings continue, residents are encouraged to report them to neighborhood management or local wildlife officials.
By staying alert, taking proactive steps, and working together, Lakes on Eldridge residents can help ensure the safety of their families, pets, and the surrounding natural balance.
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For more information and additional resources, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Coyote Information Page or the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s guide to Managing Suburban Coyotes.
In a community like Lakes on Eldridge, awareness and cooperation are the most effective tools we have for peaceful coexistence with our wild neighbors.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
