Coexisting Safely with Arlington’s Urban Wildlife

Published on September 08, 2026

By the Office of Communication

Whether it’s a raccoon on the patio or a bobcat along the trail, urban wildlife is part of the landscape in Arlington. The City’s Sustainable Wildlife Program encourages Arlington residents to take a few proactive, low-cost steps around their homes to deter wild neighbors from making private property their personal sanctuary.

The single most effective strategy for preventing unwanted wildlife encounters is eliminating the resources that attract them: food, water, and shelter.

Remove Food Attractants

• Feed Pets Indoors: Never leave pet food or water dishes outside overnight. If you must feed pets outdoors, bring remaining food and dishes inside immediately after mealtime.
• Secure Bird Feeders: Keep bird feeders out of reach from squirrels and rodents, or consider removing them temporarily if unwanted wildlife visits your yard. Clean up fallen seed hulls daily.
• Securely Close Trash Carts: Store outdoor trash and recycling carts in a garage or shed, if possible, or use animal-proof lids. Avoid placing open food scraps in unsealed backyard compost piles.
• Harvest Fruit Promptly: Regularly gather fallen fruit from backyard trees before it becomes an easy meal for foraging animals.

Eliminate Shelter & Standing Water

• Block Structural Access: Seal open gaps around decks, sheds, porches, and foundations using heavy wire mesh or flashing. Cap chimneys and repair openings along roofs and eaves.
• Trim Vegetation: Prune overgrown shrubs, bushes, and low-hanging tree branches near structures to eliminate natural hiding spots and easy roof access.
• Drain Water Sources: Frequently drain standing water from plant saucers, birdbaths, and unused yard containers.

Maintain Safe Distance and Boundaries

Residents are urged to remember one key principle: let wildlife be wild. Watching wildlife from a safe distance can be a rewarding part of living in North Texas, but human interactions should always be avoided.

• Never Feed Wildlife: Intentional or accidental feeding habituates wild animals to humans, causing them to lose their natural fear and increasing the risk of conflict.
• Protect Pets: Always keep dogs on a leash during walks and monitor small pets closely while in backyards, particularly between dusk and dawn when nocturnal animals are most active.
• Use Hazing Techniques: If a coyote or bobcat wanders onto your property, discourage bold behavior by practicing "hazing"—making loud noises, clapping hands, yelling forcefully, or using a whistle to restore their natural fear of humans.

Explore Local Wildlife Resources

To learn more about specific species found in North Texas, view wildlife report maps, or access guidance on orphaned or injured animals, visit the City of Arlington's Urban Wildlife resource page.

For wildlife concerns or to report a sick or injured animal, please contact Arlington Animal Services at 817-459-5898.