Coyotes in Lake Forest Park: how to react in an encounter with a coyote
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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| Photo from Wikimedia |
On July 27, 2012 a Grace Cole Nature Park user was reportedly stalked by a coyote. Lake Forest Police were notified and responded to the encounter but no coyotes were spotted by officers.
This is abnormal behavior for a coyote. Coyotes are wild animals that should have a natural fear of humans. Behavior like this is often the result of encouragement from humans including feeding or allowing the animal to approach.
If you see a coyote do not approach it or turn your back to it. You should leave the area by slowly backing away from the coyote while facing it. If you are approached by a coyote you can try to scare it by yelling, throwing sticks and small rocks toward it but not directly at it and making yourself seem as large as possible. If the animal gets too close you can use a stick or pepper spray to keep it away.
Call 911 if you are stalked or attacked by a coyote. If you have questions contact the City of Lake Forest Park at 206-368-5440.
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7 comments:
Stalked! Really?! Or were they just paranoid walking their small dog. Coyotes and other wild animals were here before us. Be responsible and stay out of their territory.
I have heard stories that these coyotes quite enjoy Hamlin Park in Shoreline.
I'd seen piles of fur in the meadow at the north end of the park for several years. I guess I thought people were brushing out their dogs there.
But another dog walker pointed out that in fact, the coyotes have been going to Hamlin Park for years to enjoy their meals... (Outdoor cats primarily, looking at the fur piles.)
I live in LFP and spotted a coyote in my back yard, showed it to my 95lb lab through the window and said "get em", he flew out the front door with his big dog bark, next thing I know the two of them ended up playing together for 10 min before the coyote walked away. Yeah those coyote's will grab your first born from their rooms...be fearful.
This would account for the missing pet posters that seem to be plastered on every telephone pole twice a week in this area.
Re: "Be responsible and stay out of their territory."
Coyotes all over the city, including sightings in the central district.
As well as in people back yards as a previous poster commented. Staying out of 'their' territory is not realistic.
I saw one this spring in Boeing Creek park. He just stopped, looked at me, and then trotted off into the woods.
-Brandon in Shoreline
How to react to a coyote encounter? RCW 77.36.030 may give you some guidance.
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