Fed up island residents threaten to shoot Galveston’s famed Red Wolf Coyotes Galveston Island residents have long expressed concerns about the local coyote population, with many believing their numbers are skyrocketing. However, Josh Henderson, Executive Director of the Humane Society, offers that while coyotes are prevalent throughout the island, there is no evidence to support claims of an exploding population. The data collected is as follows: In 2023, 155 coyotes were seen moving through Galveston; in 2024, 180 were seen. In 2023, 48 coyotes were seen entering a yard; in 2024, 45 were seen entering a yard. In 2023, 1 coyote killed an unattended pet in a yard; in 2024, 0 coyotes killed pets in a yard. In 2023, 0 coyotes bit humans, and in 2024, 0 coyotes bit humans, as well. The full chart is available within this video, and will soon be available on the Humane Society’s website. A 2022 scat survey conducted by researchers identified 55 individual coyotes through genetic analysis. While estimates suggest the true number may be closer to 75, assertions that the population is in the hundreds lack scientific backing. Henderson emphasized that no data supports the claim of a surge in coyote numbers over recent years. The study was performed by Michigan Tech University researchers and is available for public review on the Gulf Coast Canine Project website. Moving forward, the Humane Society is launching a new citizen science initiative to collect fresh data and better understand the coyote population. But residents like Greg West are not convinced. And for others like him, one future attack and numerous personal sightings is their justification for deeming the coyote presence a problem. This debate has intensified following reports of alleged pet attacks. West confirms that some of the pet attacks are not reported to officials because he believes doing so would be futile. Some locals believe that unless action is taken, human injuries are inevitable. “It’s only a matter of time before a child is bitten,” warned one concerned resident. City officials, however, have pushed back against these claims, stating that there is no substantial evidence of increased coyote-related incidents. They urge residents to report sightings and avoid leaving food sources accessible to wildlife. To build on ideas for potential solutions, the Humane Society is introducing a citizen science campaign, enabling residents to participate in coyote tracking efforts. Volunteers will be trained to distinguish between domestic dog and coyote scat, contributing to a more comprehensive survey. Collection stations will be established across the island, and samples will be sent for genetic testing. Via this effort, the officials will be able to conduct a diet analysis, answering a long-standing question about what coyotes primarily consume in the coastal Texas environment. Early findings indicate that coyotes eat a mix of small mammals, crustaceans, fish, fruits, and roadkill. One of the primary concerns from residents involves pet safety. Henderson stressed that while coyotes do not pose a general threat to public safety, they are opportunistic hunters. Outdoor cats and small dogs left unattended are at higher risk of encounters with wildlife, including coyotes. The safest option is to keep pets indoors or supervised while outside. While minor fluctuations occur annually, reports do not indicate an escalating threat. Incidents are categorized based on severity, ranging from sightings to direct interactions with pets or humans. To ensure accurate tracking and appropriate responses, Henderson urges residents to report all sightings and interactions through the city's GIS mapping system. The Humane Society's formal approach to managing coyote populations is outlined on the City of Galveston’s website. Henderson noted that failure to report incidents while demanding action leads to gaps in data, making it difficult to adjust management strategies effectively. With the upcoming citizen science initiative and continued public education, officials hope to further refine their understanding of Galveston’s coyote population. The findings from the new study will be presented at the next town hall meeting, providing residents with updated information on the island’s wildlife dynamics. For more details on reporting coyote sightings and accessing educational resources, visit the Galveston Humane Society website or the City of Galveston’s Coyote Resources page. Photos courtesy of: Ron Wooten Photography, Greg West

Posted by i45NOW Staff Report at 2025-01-31 14:12:24 UTC