SAN ANTONIO -- People who live in a neighborhood along Salado Creek say coyotes are killing their animals. Although families in Castle Hills Forest say they're excited about a new walking trail, they have real concerns about what may be lurking in the area.
Most anytime of the day, you can find people enjoying the wildlife or walking their dogs along the Salado Creek green-way. But when the sun goes down, something else comes out. Connie Priest has been talking with her neighbors. They all agree coyotes are becoming a big problem in their community.
Priest told News 4 WOAI the animals are getting a little too brave, "There's been other sightings in the neighborhood by people who have seen them walking in the street here."
Last week, Priest's cat "Cotton" was found dead along the trail. So were several other cats. It's believed all of them were mauled by coyotes. There are worries something even worse could happen next.
"My grandchildren play back there," Priest said. "My daughter regularly carries her small baby in a backpack. If she was to be attacked or frightened by this, that is a concern."
For now, Priest will keep her back fence locked and plans to inform more of her neighbors about the coyotes.
"I want something done to know that my family and friends and people who use this pathway are safe," added Priest.
Priest and other residents in the neighborhood are keeping in contact with city leaders and trying to come up with a solution to the problem. In the meantime, they just want everyone to know to be extra careful with pets and children.
Other coyote sightings
News 4 WOAI has tracked several coyote sightings over the last year.
In September, someone took a picture of a coyote roaming near Olmos Park.
In November, several people spotted a coyote near an elementary school on the Northeast Side.
Wildlife experts say they have seen an increase in calls recently about coyote spottings.
They say it is rare for a coyote to attack a person. Usually the animals are more afraid of us than we are of them.
If you see a coyote, experts say just calmly walk back to where you came from.
