Large Alligator Spotted Along Popular Katy Walking and Fishing Trail

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

April 16, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

A Katy man encountered a large alligator yesterday at a popular Katy trail and fishing spot. Alligators are commonly seen in the Katy area.

Photo credit: Randall LeBlanc

A Katy man encountered a large alligator yesterday at a popular Katy trail and fishing spot. Alligators are commonly seen in the Katy area, though this one was very large. Residents are always advised to stay cautious of local wildlife. This alligator wasn’t aggressive.

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."

Randall LeBlanc has lived in Katy for nearly 23 years and is very active. He routinely goes hiking or biking along the many trails in the Katy area.

Watch the Video

Video by Randall Leblanc

“This is actually a regular occurrence for me because I hike or bike these trails, almost daily, for 11 years now,” says LeBlanc.

Leblanc was about 1.9 miles east of Fry Road along the Buffalo Bayou, on what locals call “Fisherman’s Trail.” He took pictures and video of the alligator.

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.

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, Texas has had 15 alligator bites, but no fatalities. In general, alligators rarely attack humans, with the odds of being injured in an unprovoked attack being one in 3.1 million.

Recently, the residents of Cross Creek Ranch had an alligator visitor.

Photo credit: Maria DiPetta

If the 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.

LeBlanc is very active outdoors and has seen plenty of alligators and other critters around Katy. Yesterday's encounter was the largest alligator that he has seen in 11 years.