by DeSoto, TX – Residents of DeSoto may hear gunshots in their neighborhoods as the city initiates a controversial plan to reduce the local coyote population after several pet attacks have raised safety concerns.
Starting at 2 a.m. this Wednesday, DeSoto city officials confirmed the launch of a “coyote removal operation” utilizing professional marksmen from USDA Wildlife Services. The operation will involve shooting coyotes from vehicles in a defined area where increased wildlife activity has been documented.
The Urgency Behind DeSoto’s Coyote Control Effort
The City of DeSoto reports at least five documented attacks on pets since June, resulting in the deaths of multiple small dogs, although no human attacks have been recorded yet. These incidents have sparked concern among residents and prompted the city’s action.
- Operation zone: Approximately 7-square-mile area bordered by East Wintergreen Road and East Belt Line Road (north-south) and I-35E and North Westmoreland Road (east-west).
- Timing: Early morning hours to reduce public exposure and enhance safety.
- Personnel: USDA Wildlife Services’ professional marksmen, following federal wildlife management protocols.
Residents React to the Planned Shooting Operation
While city officials emphasize safety and effectiveness, some DeSoto residents are voicing discomfort with the decision to shoot coyotes rather than opt for trapping and relocation methods.
“When they were talking about actually shooting them, that touched me in a certain type of way,” said Amen Kamau, a 20-year resident of DeSoto.
Local parents, including Jenny Bell and Sophia Rohlin, frequent the parks within the affected area with their children. They acknowledge the coyote presence but stress education and vigilance to keep their families safe.
“If I had known that there was a coyote issue in the area, I would have been more hesitant with letting my kids play here,” Rohlin admitted.
“If a coyote, a deranged coyote, came up, we would go mama bear, and we would take out the coyote,” Bell said.
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Balancing Safety and Wildlife Management
The City of DeSoto has communicated the operation details to residents within the designated area to minimize surprises and ensure awareness. The use of shooting as a wildlife management tool aligns with federal protocols administered by USDA Wildlife Services, aiming to address immediate risks posed by aggressive coyotes.
For more in-depth local coverage, see the original report on WFAA.com.
What’s Next for DeSoto Residents?
Questions remain on the duration of the operation, as city officials have not yet provided a timeline. Residents are urged to stay alert during the early morning hours and report any further coyote sightings or incidents to local authorities.
Key Takeaways:
- City-led coyote removal aims to protect pets and community safety.
- Operation conducted at night to reduce public risk.
- Resident opinions vary on the ethical approach to wildlife control.
- Ongoing communication between city officials and the public is essential.
What do you think about this coyote removal plan? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
