KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 16, 2025
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 and the annual mating season for these animals are resulting in more encounters.
Katy is Full of Wildlife
Recently more Katy residents are taking to social media to share encounters of coytoes. 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 of activity they can be more active and more aggressive.
Coyotes on Camera
Many residents are also picking up footage of coyotes patroling neighborhood streets on home security footage. This video below was submitted by a resident in Elyson.
Katy Resdients and Pets Encounter Coyotes
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.
Last week a Katy couple reported an encounter while walking in a park at dusk. Fortunately, they got away with only a brief scare.
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.
Experts state that lights and sounds can deter them if you run into them while walking. A great tool to use is the flashlight feature on your cell phone.
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.
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