9th Ward Neighborhood Watch

It has been brought to my attention that Town South is having many pets disappear. They are suspecting that it is due to the coyote sitings. I have been told that 14 cats are now missing. We have coyote that come into our backyard frequently, so please use caution with your animals!

Hawk Warning

It is probably more likely to be the large hawks that patrol the ditch. They have been known to get cats, small dogs, squirrels and rabbits.

Information on Coyote problem...

...just wanted to update everyone on the situation....

My name is Gabe, I live in Town South on South Wickford Circle, and you may have seen the signs I have been putting up with the help of some concerned neighbors.

Basically, we have at least 15 cats missing that have been reported - 13 of which were taken from August 8 to September 16. We are convinced the cats were taken by coyotes as the construction behind out neighborhoods from Bert Kouns to Flournoy Lucas Road have destroyed the habitat of many local coyotes (we can all hear them howling at night). They are doing what comes natural to them as wild animals - as they are incredibly intelligent and have keen senses, and adapt to many different diets (including cats, small dogs, or anything they can handle).

I was informed by Harold Renfro (Animal Control Officer hired by Caddo Animal Control) that he has already found enough evidence (coyote tracks, scat with cat remains, etc) to determine that coyotes are preying on pets in our immediate area. We learned that when a coyote feeds on a cat there will be no evidence as the coyote eats EVERYTHING (bones, fur) most of the time.

I started putting up signs to please call me if a coyote has been sighted, and began asking neighbors on the street as I walked/jogged. I was pretty alarmed to learn that several coyotes have been spotted. One gentleman even told me that he saw 6 or 7 coyotes exiting the ditch south of our neighborhoods and running along Youree drive in our direction.

I have a cat carcass in my freezer in which coyote hair has been identified in the cat's claws. A coyote has been spotted in the Greenbelt of Town South early in the morning recently. I went out and saw coyotes with my own eyes two weeks ago along Sand Beach bayou.

To make a LONG story short, we have been in contact with Homeowners and Caddo Animal Control and this is what I need from the residents of our neighborhoods: reports of coyote sightings and missing pets.

I had a meeting with Caddo Animal Control, and as soon as we have enough names, addresses, and phone numbers of people who have seen something - they will have the necessary proof to get the funding to pay a professional to come remove the animals from our area, or thin the population.

It is a necessary task, in my opinion. Coyotes are generally afraid of humans, but as they become more and more familiar with us, they will become a much bigger threat to our children and pets. Attacks are very possible, and a simple Google search will show you that coyotes DO pose a threat to humans.

If you have any information, please send me an email or even call me. We already have enough names to submit to Animal Control, but you never can gather enough information.

Until the coyote problem is resolved, it is very important that we all keep our animals inside - ESPECIALLY at night, dusk and dawn. It is also important to store trash properly and not leave food outside for our pets.

Please, call me with any information.

Gabe Meiki
469-3299

That is a possiblity....

...but it is unlikely that birds of prey have been taking all the cats in Town South. We have already found enough evidence (coyote scat containing cat remains, and tracks) to determine that it is a coyote problem.