News Release

Urban Coyotes

Last month an aggressive coyote was shot and killed in Bellevue and another was trapped and euthanized. Theses actions were taken because there were two coyote attacks on children in Bellevue. These were the first documented attacks on humans in Washington State.

Coyotes are present in and around Lake Forest Park. They live in our green belts and ravines. Coyotes are opportunistic animals. They have adapted to the suburbanization of their habitat. They feed on cats, small dogs and other small wildlife.

Below are the suggestions for dealing with conflicts with coyotes from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information you can go to their website http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversity/living/coyotes.htm.

There are several ways that homeowners can discourage coyotes from making pests of themselves or becoming serious threats:

• Keep garbage securely stored, especially if it has to be put on the curb for collection; use tight-locking or bungee-cord-wrapped trash cans that are not easily opened if knocked over by coyotes or dogs.
• Keep compost piles securely covered; correct composting never includes animal matter, like bones or fat, which can draw coyotes even more quickly that decomposing vegetable matter.
• Keep pet food and water inside.
• Keep pets inside or confined securely in a kennel or covered exercise yard.
• Do not feed wildlife on the ground; keep wild bird seed in feeders designed for birds, elevated or hanging above ground, and clean up spilled seed from the ground; coyotes can either be drawn directly to the seed, or to the rodents drawn to the seed.
• Keep fruit trees fenced or pick up fruit that falls to the ground.
• Do not feed feral (domestics gone wild) cats; coyotes prey on the cats, as well as feed on cat food left out for them.
• Minimize ground cover vegetation near children's play areas to avoid attracting rodents and small mammals that will in turn attract coyotes; keep clusters of shrubs, trees and other cover and food plants away from buildings and children's play areas.
• Use noise-making and other scaring devices when coyotes are seen. Check with local authorities regarding noise and weapons ordinances. Portable air horns, motor vehicle horns, slingshots, and rocks can be effective.Be assertive in your attitude and behavior towards coyotes that are not showing normal, healthy fear and respect towards you and others.