News Summary
In Dallas, a deputy marshal shot and killed a coyote near the Katy Trail after a citizen reported it approaching while walking dogs. The incident occurred near Reverchon Park. While some residents support the decision for safety reasons, others argue for alternative wildlife management strategies. Dallas police are investigating the shooting, a standard procedure following any officer-involved discharges. The coyote’s remains will undergo testing, and residents are urged to report any aggressive coyote sightings to maintain community safety.
Dallas – A Dallas deputy marshal shot and killed an aggressive coyote near the Katy Trail on Tuesday afternoon after receiving a report from a citizen. The incident unfolded near Reverchon Park when a man, while walking his dogs, alerted authorities about the coyote approaching him.
Rick Ericson, the public information officer for the City of Dallas, confirmed the details of the encounter and the measures taken by the deputy marshal. Upon investigation, the deputy marshal located the coyote in the park, prompting several other deputy marshals to establish a perimeter to contain the animal. As the coyote began moving toward a heavily populated area of the Katy Trail, the marshal discharged one round, ultimately killing the coyote. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the officials or the citizen who initially made the report.
The remains of the coyote are set to undergo testing in a laboratory, a procedure in line with standard regulations following such incidents. Dallas police have initiated an investigation into the shooting, which is routine protocol whenever an officer discharges their weapon while on duty.
Responses from the public regarding the shooting reflect a split opinion. Some individuals support the marshal’s decision, citing the potential dangers posed by aggressive coyotes. Others believe that alternative strategies for managing wildlife encounters should have been explored. Notably, a Dallas resident expressed approval of the shooting due to concerns regarding coyote threats to community safety. Conversely, another frequent park visitor criticized the response and emphasized the need for improved wildlife management practices.
Randall Kennedy from DFW Wildlife Control provided context regarding the behavior of coyotes, noting that aggressive actions often correlate with the seasonal period when coyote pups are born. The last sighting of a coyote in the vicinity occurred in August, and there have been no reported cases of rabies among coyotes in Dallas this year.
Dallas Animal Services urges residents to report any aggressive coyote sightings to allow for appropriate responses and actions in order to maintain safety in the community. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing interactions between urban wildlife and city residents and raises questions about managing wildlife in populated areas effectively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Recent Coyote Encounter Raises Concerns in Dallas
Additional Resources
- NBC DFW
- Wikipedia: Coyote
- WFAA
- Google Search: Coyote Behavior
- Fox 4 News
- Google Scholar: Coyote Urban Wildlife
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coyote
- Fox 4 News – Game Warden Investigation
- Google News: Dallas Coyote Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
