Coyotes Spotted in Katy, Linked to Pet Deaths

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

February 27, 2020

By Natalie Cook Clark

Coyotes have recently killed several Katy family pets. They continue to be spotted around the community raising many concerns for residents.

Photo credit: Left-Kristin Meijer, right-Kyle Brown

Dog Taken from Backyard By Coyote

It appears that coyotes killed Layla, a 7-year-old West Highland White Terrier owned by Kristin and John Paul Meijer.

“She totally vanished,” says Kristin Meijer, recalling the incident from last May. “There was claw marks on our fence that was fresh. There was no sign of her for two days until our neighbor discovered her remains three houses over. “

The Meijers live off of Roesner Road and Bayhill Boulevard in Katy.

“There have been sightings in our neighborhood over the years but I never thought a coyote would jump over our fence,” says Kristin Meijer.

Dead Cat Found in Yard

Michelle Day lives in the Kelliwood/Nottingham area and found a gruesome sight when walking her dog this week.

“I was walking my dogs around 8:30 in the morning and noticed something in my yard,” says Day. “Upon closer examination I realized it was the remains of a black cat. The poor thing had obviously been torn apart by an animal."

She and her husband took the cat to the vet on Highland Knolls to have it checked for a chip. It didn’t have one, but someone in Katy lost their large black cat to an attack.

Sightings/Killings Raise Concerns about Walking Dogs

The Churchill Farms community has also seen an increase in coyotes, even during the day. Residents have taken to social media to share their encounters and express their concern to walk their dogs.

“My dad goes on walks with bear spray after he and their dog was attacked by two other dogs and injured them both,” Erin King writes on Facebook. “A friend told him about bear spray and how it can be used to deter others animals and dogs.”

Katy Coyotes Caught on Video

Kathryn Marie of Katy captured video of a pack of coyotes running around behind Walgreens at Mason Road and Provincial Boulevard.

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.

Keep Pets Inside

“I called the game warden thinking maybe they could attempt to catch and release to somewhere else,” says Day. “I was told that coyotes are considered “nuisance animals “ so nothing could be done. It was truly awful finding that cat. The public needs to be told to keep their pets inside at night.”

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, Visit them on their website.

Have you seen or heard coyotes in Katy? Share your experience in the comments.