Dallas issues warning after coyote chases two children near White Rock Creek Trail
The City of Dallas is warning residents after a coyote chased two children, causing minor injuries, near the White Rock Creek Trail last night.
Earlier this week, Dallas Animal Services posted coyote warning signs after residents near White Rock Road and Winsted Drive reported sightings.
"Coyotes are pretty common, and I've seen a couple around recently, but nothing out of the ordinary," said Austin Conner, who has lived in the area for a long time.
Around 8 p.m. Thursday, Dallas Animal Services received a report that two children had been chased by a coyote. A parent reported the children sustained minor injuries and was able to chase the coyote away.
"That's a little scary," Conner said. "I like that the park is warning people that there has been increased activity."
Dallas Animal Services is encouraging everyone to be aware of their surroundings and keep dogs on leashes. They say coyotes usually come out at dusk and dawn.
"When they do show certain behaviors, we should respond by making ourselves as big as possible and being as loud as possible," said Director Paul Ramon.
Any encounters can be reported to the dedicated coyote hotline at (469) 676-9813.
"I was telling somebody else that if they leave their trash here the coyotes are going to come over here and they're going to eat it," said Avelina Perez.
"These animals could've been foraging for food," Ramon said. "This incident could've occurred because they're being resource protective, trying to protect their food source."
This is not the first time this area has had issues with coyotes. In early May 2022, there were several sightings. One coyote attacked a 2-year-old playing on the porch and is believed to have chased a 12-year-old boy.
