Living with Wildlife in Addison

Published on August 11, 2025

Sharing our community with wildlife is part of life in Addison, especially in neighborhoods near greenbelts, creeks, and open spaces. From curious possums to clever raccoons or the occasional coyote, it’s not unusual to spot these animals moving through our neighborhoods. And while we value our natural surroundings, it’s completely understandable that residents may not want wildlife hanging around their yards.

Fortunately, there are practical things you can do to make your property less inviting to unwanted visitors:

Easy Ways to Discourage Wildlife

Feed domestic pets indoors: Pet food left outside is a magnet for raccoons, skunks, and more.
Do not feed any wildlife including feral cats: It may seem compassionate, but feeding sites tend to attract large numbers of animals and human food lacks the necessary nutrients wildlife needs.
Eliminate water sources: Fix leaky sprinklers and empty birdbaths or bowls that may attract thirsty animals.
Seal off access points: Close gaps under porches, decks, or sheds where animals might try to den.
Trim back shrubs and fence fruit trees: Minimize clusters of shrubs, trees, plants that provide cover, and food plants near buildings and children's play areas to avoid attracting rodents and small mammals, which in turn will attract coyotes.
Use noise-making and other scaring devices when coyotes are seen: Portable air horns, motor vehicle horns, slingshots, and thrown rocks can be effective.
Use scent deterrents: Items like vinegar, citrus peels, mothballs, or cayenne pepper are harmless but unpleasant to many wild animals.
Try motion-triggered devices (see example): Lights or ultrasonic sound emitters can startle animals and encourage them to move along.

Keep in Mind

Most animals that pass through are just doing what wildlife does — looking for food, shelter, or water. In many cases, simply removing the attraction is enough to resolve the problem.

What About Trapping?

We know it can be frustrating when wildlife returns again and again. Our Animal Services team often gets requests to trap and relocate animals, but this option has limits:

It’s usually not a long-term fix: Most species are territorial. Removing one animal won’t prevent others from moving in.
Relocation isn’t always successful: State law only allows Animal Services to relocate wildlife in an approximate 5–10-mile radius within our own jurisdiction which means they will likely return.
Trapping is a last resort: Addison only traps wildlife if there’s a verified threat to public safety, and we follow strict guidelines to ensure any action is lawful and humane.

What Not To Do

Animal Services strongly discourages the use of chemical repellents, especially on public property, because they can harm non-target wildlife, contaminate the environment, and increase public health risks.