KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 11, 2023
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy residents share our community with numerous local wildlife. Coyotes are just one of many critters Katyites should be cautioned about. They have been known to kill family pets. Cooler temperatures are resulting in more encounters.
Tariq Siddiqui took this picture of a coyote on December 5, 2023. Photo credit: Tariq Siddiqui
Katy is Full of Wildlife
Katy resident Tariq Siddiqui lives in Windsor Park Lakes backing up to George Bush Park and is no stranger to seeing local wildlife.
“I hear coyotes every night, but only saw one this first time when I took a picture,” says Siddiqui. “We have seen bobcats more often inside our backyard.”
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, coyotes are more active in cooler weather. This week's chilly temperatures increases the chance of encounters as these critters will move around more.
Residents take to social media to report coyote sightings. In just a quick search, recent sightings have been reported in Churchill Farms, Plantation Lakes, Elyson, crossing streets such as Kingsland and Highland Knolls.
Previously, Katy Magazine has reported stories of coyotes killing beloved family pets. In both cases the dogs were taken from their backyards in front of their families. Read the story.
A Katy man was also threatened by a pack and found that shining a light at them startled them enough to leave. Read the story.
Katy is home to much wildlife like coyotes, bobcats, alligators, hogs, snakes and much more.
“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.”
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.
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.