KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
February 2, 2022
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy residents frequently report seeing wild animals in their neighborhoods. February is peak coyote mating season and can result in these local animals becoming more aggressive potentially putting Katy pets and children at risk.
Photo credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Coyote Mating Season Increases Risk to Pets
Coyote mating season runs from mid-January through the first of March putting February in the peak of the season. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, coyotes are known to be more aggressive during this time.
“We have coyotes inside 99 and all over Katy,” says Paige Holsapple. “They are hungry and hunting your pets.”
No people have been reported to have been harmed by a coyote in the Katy area, although pet deaths have been reported.
Katy Dog Killed by Coyote
Recently a family dog was reported to have been killed by a coyote in Ventana Lakes. Over the years, Katy dogs and cats have been killed by coyotes.
Holsapple says there tends to be a lot of activity around Heritage Square and Cinco Ranch off of South Peek.
Holsapple is the co-founder of the Cinco Ranch Area Lost and Found Pet Network Group and understands the threat coyotes mean to local pets.
A resident in Elyson off 99 and 529 reported seeing a coyote on their doorbell camera.
Video credit: Katy Keese
Wild animals can always pose a risk at any time of year, however this time of year coyotes are more likely to be aggressive.
Protect Your Pets
The Humane Society offers advice on how to best protect your pets.
For Dogs
Do not leave your dog outside unattended
Do not leave your dog chained
Always keep your dog on a leash in public areas
Keep pet food and water indoors
For Cats
Provide escape routes for cats
In treeless or open areas, erect "cat posts"—long pieces of wood (four inches by four inches or corner posts) that stand out of the ground at least ten to twelve feet. These can be climbed by cats but not by coyotes
Elevate feeding stations beyond coyotes’—but not the cats’—reach
Feed cats only during the day and at a set time—and pick up any leftovers immediately
Katy Continues to Welcome Floods of Newcomers
More Katy neighborhoods are being built that further displaces wildlife and puts people and pets closer to these animals.
“We really have to live with them,” says Holsapple. “They’re not going anywhere. Our purpose is to educate and help new residents understand.”
Residents can call the Texas Parks and Wildlife office at 512-389-4800, and visit them on their website if they feel threatened by an animal.
The best action is to deter them from coming to your home by eliminating food sources.
“Seeing native wildlife such as coyotes and bobcats should be handled the same way as when one sees alligators in the summer,” says Fort Bend County Constable Chad Norvell. “Leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone.”