Coyote sightings in Lake Forest Park prompt Thursday, July 28, 2011 City Council presentation

Coyote napping in Shoreline's Paramount Park in March
Photo by Janet Way

The Thursday, July 28, 2011 LFP City Council meeting agenda includes a presentation about urban coyotes by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USDA at 7:45 pm

From the Office of the LFP City Administrator

The City of Lake Forest Park has received many calls and messages from concerned citizens regarding coyote sightings. Police officers often see coyotes during night shifts and receive calls regarding coyote sightings in many areas of the city. Officers refer callers to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, which has jurisdiction regarding these issues.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have experienced agents and have state and federal authority regarding wildlife. The city's police department and its code enforcement official have no authority to intervene when the state Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are responding to a wildlife issue. The city does not issue permits to these agencies or to individuals regarding any wildlife issues and has no authority to do so.

The police department responded to a call Monday morning, July 18, 2011, and discovered a sheep had been killed by up to four coyotes. The officers followed policy and referred the homeowner to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Lake Forest Park Police Department was notified by dispatch Monday evening that a USDA agent was in the area.

The police department has received inquiries whether it is legal for a homeowner to shoot coyotes in their yard. The answer is always no. Police officers refer residents concerned about coyotes to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The USDA and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife have the necessary state and federal permits and training necessary to handle these situations. The USDA agent is responsible for firing two shots.

Home owners are responsible for the safety of their pets or livestock from coyote attacks. Coyotes that are fed by people often lose their fear of humans and develop a territorial attitude that may lead to aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior as exhibited by the recent killing of a sheep is an early warning sign, and the USDA is required to take the necessary steps to address the problem.

The Thursday, July 28, 2011 City Council meeting agenda includes a presentation about urban coyotes by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USDA at 7:45 pm. Please attend this important informational meeting to learn more about how we can live with the wildlife in our area and how we can make our neighborhoods safer for all residents.