Katy Dog Saves Woman, Dogs from Pack of Coyotes
- ncookclark
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 21, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy residents share their community with a lot of wildlife. Coyotes are just one of many critters Katyites should be cautioned about. Last week a Katy woman was attacked by a pack of coyotes when out walking her dogs.
Katy resident Karen Howerton wants everyone to know about the risk of local coyotes after a pack surrounded her and her dogs last week. One of her dogs was bitten.
“I don’t want to think about what could have happened had it not been for Thumper’s (her large dog) brave actions,” says Karen Howerton. “He’s a skittish dog fearful of thunder, but here instinct took over.”
Howerton’s family moved to Jordan Ranch from California last April. She works remotely and on Pacific time so an evening walk, around 9:30 p.m., isn’t unusual. The Howerton family rescues dogs and has several beloved furry babies.
Normally Howerton takes just her Staffy mix, August and her Basenji mix, Buddy walking with her but praises God that she chose to bring her extra-large American Bully mix, Thumper that night. They walked behind Jordan Ranch and near construction. She wears a light, so they stay visible and they enjoyed a quiet walk until they approached a pond.
“At first when I saw them, I thought they were shepherds and that I would return to try and rescue them,” explains Howerton. “Then one approached August and I knew we were in trouble because that was no dog. It was a coyote and it bit August as the others went to circle us.”
Howerton describes the attack as being dramatic and like something we’ve all seen on National Geographic. August was bit on his butt as the coyote pack of seven aimed to surround Howerton and her three dogs.
“I was terrified,” Howerton recalls. “Once Thumper saw that we were in trouble I dropped his leash and he charged without hesitation right into the pack and they scattered.”
Howerton was able to get August right back by her side, along with Buddy. They ran home, which was about a quarter of a mile. Thumper followed them and one of the coyotes watched them along the way.
Howerton says that she has heard coyotes in the evening, but none sounded that close. She took August to an emergency vet, and he was treated with some staples. Karen, August, and Buddy are all ok after their scary encounter because of Thumper.
“He was just so brave,” says Howerton. “I don’t know how I would have gotten us away without his help.”
Coyote encounters of this nature are unusual but can happen this time of year. These pack animals are known to become more active in cooler weather and also during their mating season, which runs January-March. During this time, they can be more active and more aggressive.
This is an urban sprawl issue,” says Captain Brandi Reeder with Texas Parks and Wildlife. “We keep expanding and moving into their area habitat. We have to figure out how to work around and live with them.”
Captain Reeder says that coyotes are successful urban animals because of how adaptable they are. They easily move throughout neighborhoods but pose a real danger to family pets. Several Katy residents have lost beloved pets to them.
“They will easily take small pets and you won’t be able to do anything about it—even if they’re just a few feet away from you—they’re very quick,” says Paige Holsapple, the admin of Cinco Ranch Area Lost & Found Network.
She urges families to keep pets inside and on short leashes if you take them for a walk. If walking, be prepared with a deterrent such as wasp spray.
“With the cold weather they will be hunting cats and dogs in your neighborhoods during the day and overnight and they can grab a pet in their jaws and clear a 6’ fence with them—no problem,” says Holsapple. “The coyotes are preparing to raise pups soon and they want the calories. Please don’t make it easy on them and break your heart, too.”
Coyote encounters like what Karen Howerton and her dogs experienced are very unusual. If you do encounter them, it’s important to know what to do.
According to Captain Reeder, it’s important to not act like prey. When around coyotes make a lot of noise, shine a light, don’t run away.
“It’s best to startle them and distract them from their intent,” says Captain Reeder.
Another way to stay safe is to keep them from your property.
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.
Katy residents need to stay aware. If you feel unsafe call local authorities. If you have questions or removal requests, call Texas Parks and Wildlife at 512-389-4800.
Katy residents should also be on the lookout for local stays. In addition to dangers from coyotes, the coming freeze is no place for a stay. There are many local shelters that can help.
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