February 15, 2008 

To the Citizens of Murphy,

Over the last several weeks, myself and ACO Sandra Potter have received information about a large cat sighting.  Each of these complaints have been investigated and nothing as of yet has been found.  Below is a chronological order of the complaints.

1.       January 29th – Two dogs were attacked at 700 Summer Place.  ACO Potter responded.  After her investigation she determined the bites were located in the throat and head area of the animals.  The bites were consistent with a coyote or dog attack.

2.       January 30th – In the early morning hours, a cat was mutilated at 122 Starlite.

3.       January 30th at 5:15 pm - 1st spotting at 401 S. Maxwell Creek of a large dark colored animal.  Complainant was unsure of the type of animal but was not a bobcat or coyote.

4.       An email was sent out (unknown date or author) in reference to spotting a dark colored animal that ran in front of a car on Skyline.

5.       ACO Potter received a phone call on February 7th at 11:30 pm in reference to a dark colored animal in the area of Glenridge.

6.       ACO Potter received an email on February 8th at 9:40 pm in reference to a large cat that ran across Ridgeview Dr.

7.       On February 11th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm ACO Potter and myself stayed out and patrolled the areas of Skyline Acres and Travis Estates as well as several trips down South Maxwell Creek and Bunny Run using the Thermal Imager to see if we could see any animal activity at night.  Nothing was seen or heard.

We both realize there is a problem with the coyote’s in those areas.  A trapper has already been contacted and is waiting on the weather changes to pass before setting the traps. 

We will keep you informed of any future developments.  If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to the Police Department at 972-468-4236 or to report a sighting call
9-1-1.

Kim Parker
Support Services Manager
206 N. Murphy Rd.
Murphy, Texas 75094
Office: (972) 468-4235
kparker@murphytx.org