Wildlife / Predators

Coyotes, bobcats, lions & bears.

Predators get the most fear and cause the fewest problems. Attacks on people are very rare. Here's how to handle each.

Coyotes (common, even in cities)

Urban coyotes are normal and usually shy. The goal is to keep them shy.

Never feed them - on purpose or by accident (open trash, pet food, fallen birdseed, feral-cat feeding stations).
Keep pets supervised, walk dogs on a leash, and don't let small pets roam at dawn or dusk.
If a coyote approaches, 'haze' it: make yourself big, shout, wave your arms, throw something near it (not at it). Teach it that people are scary.
A landowner may remove a coyote that's causing damage (no license needed on private property with the owner's OK); like other rabies-vector animals, a live coyote can't be transported.

Bobcats

Shy, and rarely a threat to people - though they may take small pets or poultry. Secure coops and supervise small pets. Bobcats are nongame animals, but their pelts need a CITES tag to sell or ship out of state.

Black bears (protected)

Black bears are returning to parts of Texas and are protected - they're a state-threatened species, and hunting them has been illegal since 1983 (killing one can mean fines up to $10,000 plus restitution). Store food and trash securely, never feed them, and if you see one, don't run - back away and give it space. Report sightings to (512) 389-4505.

Rare and secretive

Mountain lions

Found mostly in the Trans-Pecos, the South Texas brushlands, and parts of the Hill Country - uncommon and seldom seen.

In 2024, for the first time in over 50 years, Texas tightened its mountain lion rules: it banned 'canned' hunts of captive lions and set trapping-check standards (a trapped lion can't be left in a snare or trap more than 36 hours). Texas was widely reported as the last U.S. state with essentially no mountain lion regulations.

If you ever meet one

Do not run, and do not turn your back - running can trigger a chase.
Look big: raise your arms or jacket, and pick up small children.
Back away slowly, give it an escape route, and speak firmly and loudly.
If it's aggressive, fight back - throw rocks and sticks, hit it. Don't play dead.
Report sightings to TPWD at (512) 389-4505.

Keep going

Sick or strange animals

Rabies signs and coyotes.

Know the signs ->

What's legal

Removing problem animals.

The legal map ->

Around the house

Keeping critters away.

Get it handled ->

Wildlife hub

Back to the main guide.

Open the hub ->

Official sources

Predator guidance, the 2024 mountain lion rules, and black bear protection all come from TPWD. Report mountain lion and bear sightings to (512) 389-4505.

Data vintage:: Predator rules as reviewed June 2026
Last reviewed:: June 15, 2026

TPWD - Mountain Lions - Range and the 2024 rules
TPWD - Black Bears
TPWD - Living with Wildlife (coyotes)

Caution: The 2024 mountain lion rules are recent and can change. The official TPWD species pages are the final word.

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