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Large Alligator in Cinco Ranch Serves as Reminder of Local Wildlife

  • ncookclark
  • Jun 19
  • 2 min read

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

June 19, 2025

By Natalie Cook Clark

 

A Katy family was in for a surprise this week when a large alligator strolled up to their front door. Katy is home to many wildlife all fun for families to see but to be left alone.

Pictures courtesy of Saba Jamali
Pictures courtesy of Saba Jamali

 

Many Katy families are seeing the local wildlife while out and about this summer. Katy is home to many wild animals. One family experienced a close encounter when an alligator came for a visit.

 

The Siddiqui family in Cinco Ranch, near Westheimer, found a large alligator in their front yard. Her mother, Saba Jamali took some pictures. The alligator moved to rest in their front flowerbed before they called local authorities, and someone came to remove it.



Katy is home to many wild animals that are best left alone if encountered. 


Alligators are Common in Katy

Alligators are frequently seen in the Katy area near lakes, ponds, and neighborhood water areas and ditches. According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), "Most Texans in 'gator country' will live in close proximity to these native reptiles with no confrontations." 


Mason Creek is a popular walking trail in Katy. The area attracts walkers, joggers, bike riders, and many Katy families looking for a stroll and time outdoors. Alligators are frequently spotted in Katy-area parks, trails, creeks, and have even been spotted on doorbell cameras. 


The Drews family frequently see them when walking the lake at the corner of 1463 and Kingsland.


Photo courtesy of Maria Drews
Photo courtesy of Maria Drews

The TPWD says alligators have a natural fear of humans and will usually retreat upon seeing them and says it's uncommon for gators to approach humans. Yet, Katy families need to be careful. 


Safe Practices for Katy Families 

The best preventative practice is to maintain constant supervision of children when they play near any bodies of water like bayous. Teach children to be aware of their surroundings and to back away if they encounter a gator. 


  • Do not let children play around lakes, ponds, or swamps unsupervised. 

  • Let children know where gators could be, and to stay alert in these areas. 

  • Warn children about the dangers of gators and what to do if they encounter one: leave the alligator alone, maintain a distance of approximately 30+ feet, and leave the area. 

  • Remind children to stay away from the edges of lakes, ponds, or swamps. 

  • Advise children not to go after balls or toys that landed in a lake, pond, or swamp. 

  • Keep pets enclosed or on a leash in areas where there are gators. 

  • Be aware of fishing lines or hooks that can attract gators due to their similarities to natural food. 


If a gator is a nuisance, such as seen to be approaching people or is an obvious threat, the TPWD advises calling the law enforcement communications center at 713-779-8977.

 



 

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