Coyote Makes a Visit to a West Seattle Backyard: Watch the Video!

Coyote Spotted Drinking From Backyard Pond in West Seattle

West seattle, WA – A homeowner’s surveillance camera recently documented a surprising visitor: a coyote seeking refreshment at a backyard pond. The incident, which occurred in the East Admiral neighborhood, highlights the increasing presence of wildlife in urban environments and underscores the importance of cautious coexistence.

The homeowner,who has previously recorded coyotes on their property,reported hearing vocalizations – described as “yips” – in the vicinity in the nights leading up to the sighting. Last night, a coyote was captured on camera drinking from a fountain at a nearby spa, exhibiting what the observer described as “genteel coughs” after quickly consuming water.

This encounter serves as a reminder to residents of West Seattle, and urban dwellers generally, to take precautions to protect pets and maintain a safe distance from these wild animals. Experts recommend keeping cats indoors, notably during twilight hours, and exercising increased vigilance when walking small dogs or elderly pets at dawn, dusk, or night.

According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), coyotes are increasingly common in urban and suburban areas. They are adaptable animals that can thrive in close proximity to humans.

Understanding Coyote Behavior

Coyotes are generally shy animals and avoid human contact. However, they can become bolder in areas where they are frequently fed, either intentionally or unintentionally. providing food sources, such as pet food left outdoors or unsecured garbage, can lead to habituation and possibly increase the risk of conflicts.

Coyote Behavior	Recommended Response
Sightings during daylight hours	Maintain distance; do not approach.
Vocalizations (howling, yipping)	Normal communication; no immediate action needed.
Approaching humans or pets	Make noise, wave arms, and maintain eye contact.
Aggressive behavior	Report to local animal control.

Did You No? Coyote populations in Washington State have been steadily increasing over the past several decades, with estimates suggesting over 15,000 coyotes residing across the state as of late 2023, according to the WDFW.

Pro Tip: Secure garbage cans, remove pet food from outdoors, and trim vegetation to reduce potential hiding places for coyotes.

Coexisting With Wildlife: A long-Term Viewpoint

The increasing overlap between human development and wildlife habitats is a global phenomenon. As urban areas expand, encounters with animals like coyotes, bears, and deer are becoming more frequent. Effective coexistence requires understanding animal behavior, respecting their space, and implementing preventative measures to minimize conflicts.

Responsible pet ownership is crucial in these situations. Keeping pets vaccinated, supervised, and leashed when outdoors can significantly reduce the risk of encounters and potential harm. Educating children about wildlife safety is also essential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coyotes

1. What should I do if I encounter a coyote? Make noise and attempt to scare the coyote away by waving your arms.
2. Are coyotes dangerous to humans? Attacks on humans are rare, but it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance and avoid approaching them.
3. How can I protect my pets from coyotes? keep cats indoors and supervise small dogs while outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk.
4. What attracts coyotes to residential areas? Food sources, like pet food, garbage, and small animals, can attract coyotes.
5. Should I feed coyotes? No, feeding coyotes is illegal and can lead to habituation and increased conflicts.
6. What should I do if a coyote exhibits aggressive behavior? Report the incident to your local animal control agency.
7. Where can I find more information about coyotes in Washington state? The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/canis-latrans) offers comprehensive resources.

What are your experiences with local wildlife in your neighborhood? Do you have any tips for safely coexisting with animals like coyotes?

What resources are available for reporting coyote sightings in West Seattle?

A West Seattle resident recently captured an incredible encounter with a wild coyote on their property.The video,quickly gaining traction online,highlights the increasing presence of these adaptable animals in urban environments. This article dives into the details of the sighting, coyote behavior in Seattle, and how to coexist safely with these captivating creatures.

The West Seattle Coyote Sighting: A Closer Look

the video, circulating on local news and social media platforms, shows a coyote calmly exploring a West Seattle backyard. The animal appears unfazed by the camera, exhibiting a level of comfort that underscores its adaptation to human proximity. Details from the homeowner indicate the coyote spent several minutes investigating the area before moving on. The sighting occurred during daylight hours, which, while less common, isn’t unusual for urban coyotes.

Key observations from the video:

The coyote appears healthy and well-nourished.

Its behavior is curious rather than aggressive.

The backyard offers potential food sources (though none are visible in the video).

understanding Coyote Behavior in Seattle

Seattle,and the Pacific Northwest in general,provides ideal habitat for coyotes. They are highly clever and adaptable, thriving in a mix of urban, suburban, and wild landscapes. understanding their behavior is crucial for safe coexistence.

Diet: Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores. Their diet includes rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, fruits, and berries. They will also scavenge for food in garbage cans and pet food left outdoors.

Activity Patterns: While often associated with nighttime,coyotes are crepuscular – most active during dawn and dusk. Though, in urban areas, they frequently enough adjust their schedules to avoid human activity.

Social Structure: Coyotes typically live in family groups, consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. These groups establish territories and defend them against other coyotes.

Vocalization: coyotes communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including howls, yips, and barks. These calls are used for territorial defense, attracting mates, and coordinating hunting efforts.

Coyote Sightings: Trends in the seattle Area

Reports of coyote sightings in Seattle have been steadily increasing over the past decade. This isn’t necessarily indicative of a population increase, but rather increased awareness and reporting, coupled with coyotes becoming more accustomed to human presence.

Hotspots: Areas with significant green spaces, such as parks, forests, and golf courses, tend to have higher coyote activity. West Seattle, with its proximity to lincoln Park and other natural areas, is a known hotspot.

Seasonal variations: Coyote activity often peaks during the spring breeding season and the fall when young coyotes are dispersing to establish their own territories.

Reporting: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) encourages residents to report coyote sightings, especially those involving aggressive behavior.You can find reporting facts on their website (https://wdfw.wa.gov/).

Coexisting Safely with Coyotes: Practical Tips

Living alongside coyotes requires responsible behavior from residents. Here’s how to minimize conflicts and ensure the safety of both people and animals:

1. Secure Food Sources:

Keep garbage cans tightly sealed.

Don’t leave pet food outdoors.

Clean up fallen fruit from trees.

Feed pets indoors.

1. Protect Pets:

Keep cats indoors, especially at night.

Supervise small dogs when outdoors.

Consider a coyote vest for small dogs during walks.

1. Hazing Techniques: If you encounter a coyote, never approach it. Rather, use hazing techniques to discourage it from approaching you:

Make loud noises (shout, clap your hands, blow a whistle).

Wave your arms and make yourself look large.

Throw small objects towards (not at) the coyote.

1. Landscape Management:

Trim shrubs and bushes to reduce hiding places.

Install motion-activated lights.

1. Educate Neighbors: Share information about coyote safety with your community.

Resources for Further Information

washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW): https://wdfw.wa.gov/

Seattle Animal Shelter: https://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter

* Humane Society of the United States – Coyotes: [https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/coyotes](https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/