SHAVANO PARK, Texas -- Some residents of Shavano Park are reporting an increased number of coyote sightings, but the city says the population hasn't increased but they are more visible at different times.

Another reason for the reports might be new people moving to the area, and not expecting to see coyotes or knowing how to coexist with them.

“They see coyotes or they see what they perceive to be an increased sighting of coyotes,” said Bill Hill, Shavano Park city manager. “In reality, they’ve always been here but they’re not always visible.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife lists various ways to deal with the presence of coyotes, without killing or trapping them.

“They’re part of the ecosystem,” said Chief Ray Lacy, Shavano Park Police Department. “You know, what all these people need to understand is that all of these animals, whether it’s the coyotes, or it’s the raccoons or it’s the foxes that we see, are all working together within the ecosystem to do what they have to do.”