Curious about the Critters (McKinney: live, fence, safety)

[hbdwihdh378y9]

Originally Posted by kenshi

I drive home from work down Walnut Hill Ln through Dallas in the middle of the night. Once I saw what I was pretty sure was a coyote crossing Walnut Hill walking down Inwood. Twice, about a week apart, I saw a fox in roughly the exact same spot near Preston Rd. They're definitely not only in the suburbs.

Right. Of course, Inwood & Walnut Hall is an area where lots are typically an acre or more (so there's room for wildlife, including lots of rabbits). My friend lives across the creek from Ross Perot (on Inwood between Walnut Hill and Royal), and he once got a call from Ross asking what my friend was going to about the fox Ross had spotted on my friend's property. My friend has also seen a bobcat on his property.

In my neck of the woods (Lake Highlands), I once spotted a coyote on the edge or Harry Moss Park, but that's it.

[TXNGL]

Originally Posted by hbdwihdh378y9

Right. Of course, Inwood & Walnut Hall is an area where lots are typically an acre or more (so there's room for wildlife, including lots of rabbits). My friend lives across the creek from Ross Perot (on Inwood between Walnut Hill and Royal), and he once got a call from Ross asking what my friend was going to about the fox Ross had spotted on my friend's property. My friend has also seen a bobcat on his property.

In my neck of the woods (Lake Highlands), I once spotted a coyote on the edge or Harry Moss Park, but that's it.

My childhood home was on that creek (though closer to Forest and not on Strait Ln!). There were foxes, bobcats, and the very rare coyote. I can't imagine what Ross thought your friend should do. The animals follow the creek. Take one away and there are plenty to take it's place.

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by TheOverdog

If you are going to live in 'the city', the only animals you have to worry about are mosquitoes and various ants. Bugs like roaches inside your house can be taken care of via clean habits or regular spraying. It's much more rare in TX to see a coyote in the middle of DFW than it is in Southern CA. If you are going to live on acreage or on the edge of the metro area, then you might need to worry about wildlife bothering your dogs. In the middle, it's not a concern at all.

That's simply not correct. I live at Royal and Inwood there are dozens - more likely hundreds of coyotes around here. They walk off with cats and little dogs regularly.

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

Dallas has coyotes. There are also a handful of poisonous snakes - copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and very rarely coral snakes. Dallas-Fort Worth is also on the western edge of gator territory. Alligator sightings are infrequent, but not uncommon. "Palmetto Bugs" (aka cockroaches) are common. Armadillos are mostly harmless, but they can do heavy-duty damage to your lawn looking for grubs and they do carry the bacteria that causes leprosy.

Fire ants are widespread, and your odds of getting stung by them are pretty high.

Fireflies, mosquitoes, and skunks are all common as well.

Mediterranean House Geckos are also abundant in DFW. They usually congregate around lit porches at night and pick off flying insects that are attracted to light. They're quick and they will get into your house.

I'm not sure which part of this post is more terrifying. Great info, despite being disturbing. Thanks! - STS

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by EDS_

That's simply not correct. I live at Royal and Inwood there are dozens - more likely hundreds of coyotes around here. They walk off with cats and little dogs regularly.

Like the OP, I have two tiny dogs, so this is not news to my ears. Eeek!

[TXNGL]

Originally Posted by SunnyTXsmile

Like the OP, I have two tiny dogs, so this is not news to my ears. Eeek!

Don't let it worry you too much. It really depends on where you are. If you are near the creeks and don't have an enclosed backyard, then I'd watch the small dogs. I think, out of everything people have mentioned, fire ants are the biggest threat. They are miserable!

[kenshi]

Maybe it's just that I'm used to them, but I don't see what the big deal is with fire ants. Their nests are large and hard to miss. If you still step on one, you can feel it and step out before they have time to crawl on you. If despite all this you still get stung, you get some bumps that itch for a day or two. Plus they were very common in East Texas but I can't recall seeing a single nest since moving to Dallas.

I'd happily take the fire ants back in place of mosquitoes. I'd rather itch for a day or two than itch for a day or two and have dengue fever. You can easily avoid fire ant mounds but when you're walking down a trail through the woods and look back to see hundreds of mosquitoes closing in on your six, you can't do anything but run for it. Oh, and fire ants are better than chiggers too. You never even see those buggers; you just get bumps and start itching like mad.

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by SunnyTXsmile

Like the OP, I have two tiny dogs, so this is not news to my ears. Eeek!

If you are with your dog on a walk for example - no problem. If your little dog escapes the safety of your home/fenced back yard he'd be in some peril around here. Especially very early or late in day or most especially at night.

[asubram3]

I've seen coyotes twice on my walks in far North Dallas in the last two years.

Also been seeing plenty of small rabbits this spring!

[mayflowers4me]

Can any of these animals get in board on board fences?