Roving pack of coyotes mauls pets

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Residents in western Travis County said they have a problem with a roving pack of coyotes, concentrated in the central part of West Lake Hills around the area of Westlake Drive and Rocky River Road.

Concerned homeowners met with West Lake Hills City Council last week. They tell a scary story.

Neighbors such as Shelli Nickerson tell stories of neighbors losing their pets to coyotes.

"They heard a coyote behind them surround an animal and drag it off," Nickerson said. "They heard the yelping. We also had someone behind the ravine here, walked out to the mailbox with his cat, and the coyote actually ran up and mauled the cat."

West Lake Hills is a rustic neighborhood, heavily wooded with large lots and room between homes, a perfect hunting ground for predators.

"I've seen them at least four times, same pack," said Ted Dietz. "They came across the back side to the house next door and follow the fence until they get out.'

Dietz fears for the safety of young residents. Local children, Dietz said, might mistake these wild animals for dogs and try to pet them.

Dietz met the pack on the way out to pick up his newspaper, with his two dogs at his side, looking for his cat that spends the night outdoors.

"I let the dogs out. They went around the corner and came running back faster than they went out," Dietz said. "I heard some commotion, and I saw two coyotes and the cat here in the front yard under the tree. They had already killed her, unfortunately, and I chased them off."

The West Lake Hills City Council voted to hire the Travis County Animal Control unit to conduct coyote trapping in the neighborhood. That trapping will begin next month.

Those who spot coyotes are encouraged to call Travis County Animal Control , 512-974-2000.