Many of us grew up with the hilarious cartoons depicting the lame brained Wilie Coyote constantly being humiliated by the Road Runner.

In reality this could not be farther from the truth. In actuality the coyote is one of nature's most cunning and clever predators.

In some cultures the coyote is known as "The Trickster". And trickster he is, stealing our small, precious pets right out of our yards.

Often I see a number of posters declaring "Lost Cat". More than likely our small companions are not lost--they have just become meals for the clever coyote. I know a great deal about the behavior of cats. Cats stay where they are loved, fed, and feel at comfort. It is not likely that a cat will leave a home unless they choose to run away because of the home environment or an urban predator takes them away.

Simply stated, "The only safe pet is one that is kept indoors. In many parts of this country a pet that is allowed outdoors has a high probability of being in danger, sooner or later!"

Don't be fooled if you have not seen or heard coyotes in your community. They do not go door-to-door announcing themselves and asking, "I am the new coyote in your neighborhood. Would you happen to have a small pet that would like to come outdoors and play?"

Notes Regarding Coyote Tracks There are a number of distinctive characteristics of the coyote tracks that are different from their canine relatives--the common dog. Note that the rear paw tracks are smaller than the front. Dogs typically have symmetrical paw prints The front paw pad resembles a frown while the rear pad appears often as a pursed, lip imprint. On a trail you will find the front and rear paw track quite close or even overlaid, giving the appearance of a two legged animal. The prints are about 11 to 16 inches apart depending upon the size of the animal and their speed of travel. See real coyote tracks encased in a sidewalk.

Prints in Cement - Learn more about the permanent Coyote Tracks located in the Canyon Creek subdivision of north Austin, Texas.
See the Coyote Tracks...

'Missy', Lost to a hungry coyote

Misconceptions & Harsh Realities - Read about common misconceptions related to Coyotes and Kitty Cats?
Read about the Common Myths...

My First (and hopefully last) encounter with coyotes - The story of the encounter with my pets and I that started this whole cautious thing regarding coyotes and our pets. And on a broader perspective, what the coyote has taught me about protecting life in general.
Read about our Encounter...

Tracking Coyotes - Want to see where they go and what they leave behind?
See the Trailing Coyotes...

About life with Coyotes - Simple precautions and a general awareness to help protect your pets. Read about Coexistence...

What our viewers have told us - Email from others that share their concern, questions, and losses! Read Our Mail, and our replies...

Questions, comments or care to share your own Coyote story?
email Get our email address and Contact Us

A News 8 Austin Story on Coyotes and Pets.
They care about this issue. Read what they report and watch the video...

Coyote informational website links:

• Texas Parks & Wildlife - Facts Sheet
• Predators - Coyotes & Wild Dogs
• Managing Urban - Suburban Coyote Problems
• Dogs Research and Conservation Urban Coyotes
• Animal Protection Institute - Humane Ways to Live with Coyotes
• Coyotes and People
• Preventing and Solving Coyote Conflicts
• Suburban life suits coyotes just fine 3-21-02
• Other links using the Google Search Engine

An Excellent Book on Coyotes:

• "Solving Coyote Problems" A very informative book in understanding the ways of the coyote and how to deal with them, by John Trout, Jr. (Link is to Amazon.Com website).
• "The World of The Coyote" A Sierra Club pictorial, softbound book with text by Wayne Grady and some pretty outstanding photographs. (Link is to Amazon.Com website).

Grief Support:

• Pet Loss Grief Support. This will link you to Google Search Engine results. Select the website that best meets your needs.