HOUSTON – Margaret Connely woke up Monday morning to a nocturnal nightmare, when she found the remains of her 12-pound family cat strewn across her Piney Point front yard. 

"He was out there completely eviscerated. Viciously killed," said Connely.

Margaret and her vet believe the attack was likely the work of a coyote, and it's not uncommon.

Coyote sightings and attacks are nothing new for people living in neighborhoods near the bayou.

11 News photographer Ted Maynard often sees coyotes crossing Memorial Drive when he's headed to work in the early morning hours.

In November of 2004, coyotes attacked a dog in River Oaks and also attempted to go after a teenage girl.

"They're very sharp. They're very clever animals," said Captain Albert Lynch of Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Wildlife experts said coyotes are being pushed out of their homes, and they are being forced into the city.

"With all the development that's been going on in Houston and in Harris County, it’s pushing them into such a confined area, and they don't have anywhere else to go," said Lynch.

Coyotes are scavengers, and they are in search of food, water and shelter. They'll sometimes travel as far as 15 miles away from the bayous to get it.

"If you live along the bayou or if you live in a wooded area, I would suggest that you keep an eye on your pets," said Lynch.  

If you do have a coyote problem, call animal control.