KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 8, 2020
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy residents frequently report seeing wild animals in their neighborhoods. Coyotes roam some local parks and streets raising concern for the safety of local children and pets.
Photo credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Coyotes Frequently Seen in Katy
Over the weekend, a mature coyote was spotted leaving Cinco Ranch Meadow Place at Pleasant Prairie and South Peek. It was seen running towards the Cinco Ranch Meadow Green subdivision when resident Paige Holsapple alerted neighbors through social media.
“We have coyotes inside 99 and all over Katy,” says Holsapple. “They are hungry and hunting your pets.”
Holsapple says there tends to be a lot of activity around Heritage Square and Cinco Ranch off of South Peek. “My daughter spotted one leaving our neighborhood and dashing across the school,” says Holsapple.
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.
Grand Lakes Resident Hears Dog Attack
Two weeks ago, a Grand Lakes resident took to Facebook to share her experience of hearing a group of coyotes attacking a smaller dog. The resident reported the incident took place near the reservoir near Grand Lakes phase 3. She urged neighbors to check their yards for holes to make sure their pets don’t get out.
The Churchill Farms community regularly reports sightings. Although no one has reported a concerning interaction yet, many residents remain cautious.
“I honestly don’t see them as a problem (other than being a danger to small animals, which I do have),” says Churchill Farms resident Lori Kessler. “I’ve never encountered the family of coyotes who live here, and I do walk in our neighborhood, and feel comfortable doing so.”
Katy Residents Should Protect Pets
Kessler says she is more afraid of stray dogs than the coyotes. “I do believe that we have to watch our animals, I don’t let our dog out by herself after dark,” says Kessler.
“I do recognize parents’ concerns as we do have a new sidewalk path going to the newer schools behind us, and I certainly would not want to see a child hurt,” says Kessler.
No people have been reported to have been harmed by a coyote in the Katy area, although pet deaths have been reported.
“I think humans could do a better job in learning about them to understand them,” says Kessler. “I believe we as humans took over their home, and I’d like to see us be able to live amongst each other peacefully.”
How to Deter Coyotes from Your Home
Do not keep pet food outside.
Clean your grill after use.
Clear away potential hiding places.
Cover trash and recycling cans.
If composting, do not add meat or bones.
Keep small pets indoors.
“Seeing native wildlife such as coyotes and bobcats should be handled the same way as when one sees alligators in the summer,” says Major Chad Norvell, soon to be sworn in Fort Bend County Constable, Precinct 3. “Leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone.”
Norvell urges residents to call them (281-341-4665) if a coyote, like any other wild animal is wandering in a neighborhood and residents are alarmed.
Texas Parks and Wildlife
According to the Harris County Constable Office, Precinct 5, residents can call the Texas Parks and Wildlife office at 512-389-4800, and visit them on their website.
“We really have to live with them,” says Holsapple. “They’re not going anywhere. Our purpose is to educate and help new residents understand.”