Texarkana, TX, warns citizens of hungry varmint roaming the City
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: October 30, 2012
Trick-or-treaters in Texarkana, Texas, have more than candy overload to worry about this year - the City's Animal Services Unit is strongly recommending citizens use extra safety precautions to protect pets and small children from animals of prey, due to the dry conditions experienced in recent months.
With the dry weather, more of these varmin are willing to come closer to homes in urban areas. Reports of a rather large cat (possibly a bobcat) roaming in the Northridge area have been submitted and the game warden has been notified.
"We certainly don't want to cause panic among our citizens, but it seems wise to remind our citizens of standard safety precautions. It is never a good idea to let pets roam off leash for their protection and that of our citizens," explained Animal Services Unit Manager Daphnea Ryan.
"We suspect that, with the extreme heat, coyotes and other predatory animals are coming from the woods into neighborhoods seeking water and food. We urge citizens to take their pets out on a leash and remain with them any time they are outside of the residence. Even fenced back yards are not a safe place for a pet or child to be alone if there are predatory animals in the area."
Citizens are also advised not to leave any food items outside that might attract animals that are seeking food.
