NSCNA Blog Archive

Several reports of coyote sightings have been posted recently on NextDoor North Shoal Creek. Here’s information from the Humane Society’s webpage on how to haze a coyote to keep them away from our yards and pets:

“Hazing is a method that makes use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity. Hazing can help maintain a coyote’s fear of humans and deter them from backyards and play spaces.

Methods of hazing

Using a variety of different hazing tools  is critical so that coyotes don’t get used to redundant or single stimulus devices, sounds, and actions.

• Yelling and waving your arms while approaching the coyote
• Noisemakers: Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, “shaker” cans full of marbles or pennies, pots, lid or pie pans banged together
• Projectiles: sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls or rubber balls
• Other: hoses, water guns with vinegar water, spray bottles with vinegar water, pepper spray or bear repellent

“Go away coyote!”

The simplest method of hazing a coyote involves being loud and large:

• Stand tall, wave your arms, and yell at the coyote, approaching them if necessary, until they run away as demonstrated in this coyote hazing video.
• If a coyote has not been hazed before, they may not immediately run away when you yell at them. If this happens, you may need to walk towards the coyote and increase the intensity of your hazing.
• The coyote may run away, but then stop after a distance and look at you. It is important to continue to go after the coyote until they completely leaves the area. You may need to use different tactics, such as noisemakers, stomping your feet, or spraying the coyote with a hose, to get them to leave.

Dog-walking tools

There are several tools that you can carry with you while walking your dog that can be used to repel coyotes. These include:

• Homemade noisemakers (PDF)
• Whistle or small air horn (you can purchase small air horn “necklaces”)
• Squirt guns
• Pepper spray
• Sticks or other objects to throw towards (but not at) the coyote”

For more information, go to https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/coyote-hazing

Please come to NSCNA’s annual luminaria walk on Wednesday, December 19, 6-8 p.m., at the Pillow Elementary School track. Afterwards, stop by the pavilion for complimentary cookies and cocoa.

NSCNA needs volunteers to help set up the luminaria. If you can help, please arrive at the track at 4 p.m. We’ll have paper bags, sand, tea candles, and lighters. All we need is you!

The Austin Transportation Department (ATD) is holding an open house, a listening session to better understand the needs of people using Shoal Creek Boulevard:

Wednesday, December 12, 5:30 to & 7:00 P.M.

Gullett Elementary School Cafeteria

6310 Treadwell Blvd, Austin, TX 78757

Public input will be used to evaluate opportunities for improvements and can be shared with ATD at the listening session or by phone or email.

For more information:   Shoal Creek Blvd Open House