General

 

The District wants to inform residents of the presence of an alligator in the ponds. As the temperature rises, we want to warn against swimming and fishing in the ponds.

There has been a recent confirmed alligator sightings in the ponds. The Board is not taking any action to remove the alligator but wants residents to be aware of the sightings. The district wants to remind residents to treat all wildlife with respect. Feeding, harassing, injuring, or removing wildlife, including alligators, is against the law. Remember that they’re an important part of Texas’s natural history, as well as an integral part of many wetland ecosystems.

Stay safe around alligators by following these rules:

• Do not feed or harass alligators. The District advises against feeding or offering food, including fish or bait, to alligators.

Other tips:

• Retreat: always keep at least 30 feet away from alligators. If you get too close, back away slowly. Do not assume that alligators are slow and sluggish. They are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered. They rarely chase people, but they can outrun or outswim the fastest person for the first 30 feet.
• Hiss: If an alligator hisses, it’s warning you that you are too close. Back away slowly.
• Protect: A female protecting her nest or young may charge if you get too close but will quickly return to the nest after you leave. Avoid piles of twigs, grasses and/or soil near the side of the lake. Also avoid any group of small alligators under a foot long.
• Bask: Alligators often bask along the banks of ponds or streams. They are usually warming their bodies; they are not actively hunting. Often a basking alligator will have its mouth open. It is cooling itself, as alligators do not pant or sweat.
• Pets: Pets are the size and shape of common alligator prey. Keep them away from the water’s edge and on leashes that are no longer than 6 feet. Do not leave your pet unsupervised. Alligators have a keen sense of smell. Your pet will be curious, and the alligator may see it as an easy food source.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t kill, harass, bother, or try to move alligators. A provoked alligator is likely to bite.
• Don’t feed or entice alligators. When fed, alligators overcome their natural shyness and become accustomed to or attracted to humans.
• Do tell others that feeding alligators creates problems for those who want to use the water for recreation.
• Don’t remove an alligator from its natural habitat or accept one as a pet. It is a violation of state law to do so. You cannot tame an alligator, and even small ones may bite. Never go near baby alligators or pick them up. They may seem cute and harmless, but mama alligator is nearby, and will protect her clutch.
• Keep alligators a safe distance (at least 30 feet) from you.

Jugging is a term used to describe a form of scam or fraud in which individuals are targeted and robbed after leaving a bank or ATM. This criminal activity involves a group of people working together to steal cash or other valuable items from unsuspecting victims. Criminals who engage in jugging often observe their targets as they enter and exit banks or ATMs, looking for people who withdraw large amounts of cash or items from safe deposit boxes. They then follow the victim to their next destination, usually a retail store or other business, and wait for an opportunity to break into their car and steal their valuables.

One of the best ways to prevent jugging is to be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting a bank or ATM. Take note of any suspicious individuals or vehicles in the area and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, such as jewelry. If possible, use electronic banking services or credit cards to make transactions.

When leaving a bank or ATM, be sure to check your surroundings and make sure you are not being followed. If you suspect that someone is following you, call the police or go to a safe location, such as a police station or crowded area.

Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and make sure your car is locked and windows are rolled up. If possible, park in a well-lit area with security cameras. To avoid becoming a victim of jugging, individuals should be aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving large amounts of cash or valuables in their vehicles, and take steps to protect themselves and their valuables.

If you believe you are being followed, or if you are victim of jugging, contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

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Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 149 (the “District”) received a report from a resident of a coyote sighting. The District has confirmed additional coyote sightings. The District is not taking any action to remove the coyote(s) at this time, but has tips on how to keep you and your family safe.

Coyotes may mistake small, unattended pets as prey or attack large dogs they view as threats to territory or dens. To keep your animals safe, take two simple steps:

1. Watch your pets. Keep cats indoors, and never leave small dogs outside unsupervised or let any dog out of your yard off leash.
2. Secure food sources. Store garbage in wildlife-proof containers and feed pets indoors.

Do not deliberately feed coyotes. You may enjoy hand-feeding animals, but this is a surefire way to get them accustomed to people and will ultimately lead to their demise. Here are some other general rules about feeding:

Avoid feeding pets outside. If you must, feed them only for a set time during the day (for no more than one hour) and remove the food bowl as soon as your pet has finished his or her meal.

Free-roaming pets, especially cats and sometimes small dogs, may attract coyotes into certain neighborhoods. The best way to minimize risk to your pets is to not leave them outside unattended.

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