“Coyote warning” posted in Upper Fauntleroy

Heading up the switchbacks from mid-Lincoln Park to WSB HQ, we spotted these flyers on two utility poles (this one was at Northrop/Southern; map). The bold-face text says “Multiple coyote are living in this forest. Many neighborhood cats are missing. Our small dog was grabbed by a coyote from our patio while I was standing nearby (2/20/08). They are bold, hungry, and crafty. Please beware!” This just a few weeks after a citywide presentation urging calm coexistence with coyotes and other wildlife, with some enlightening info on their preferred food and how to keep them away from your house; read our coverage here.

m February 25, 2008 (3:48 pm)

I was on the Thistle staircase working out yesterday (late afternoon) and a coyote came out of the bushes on the upper section of stairs. I heard it and stopped to turn around, and it proceeded to urinate on the bushes while giving me the ‘stare-down’ on the pathway. I was only about 10 yards away, and it didn’t seem scared of me at all while it did its business (my heart rate was a bit higher than normal though!). I didn’t make a peep and it wandered off after a minute. I didn’t see or hear it again while I finished up my workout.

willow February 25, 2008 (7:29 pm)

Yeah – it’s a coyote McD’s – Gimme a cat with catsup and/or no fries – and a little dog (hot please). I live here, and you don’t keep your little creatures inside. I eat what’s available.

AND, little pets are delicious.

What does it take to make you people understand – I AM A WILD CARNIVOVORE I EAT YOUR PETS – I have no alternative.

Thank you very much, and PLEASE, keep feeding your pets outside, and, please, do not let them inside during the day, or at night.

I will get very hungry, and your children do look delicious.

Jim February 25, 2008 (9:02 pm)

Yes Willow. And the Iraqis are building weapons of mass destruction.

Bubba February 25, 2008 (9:36 pm)

“I was only about 10 yards away, and it didnâ€™t seem scared of me at all while it did its business (my heart rate was a bit higher than normal though!). I didnâ€™t make a peep and it wandered off after a minute.”

anybody else think these two reactions might be related…maybe we should be working a little harder at putting some fear of humans in these urban yotes. (non lethal would be my choice)

chas redmond February 25, 2008 (10:14 pm)

Coyotes have been watching and playing with humans and our pets and small livestock/poultry for many a moon now. Our urban habitat has intersected with their habitat and they’ve adapted their ways to the new opportunities us humans bring. To most coyotes, we must seem like we’re either slightly afraid (good for coyote), bemused and/or curious (also good for coyote), or from an occasional human – chasing them away or throwing things at them. So far, seems like they’ve got our number more than we understand them.
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We sometimes overestimate our native knowledge and skills and underestimate those of the creatures we share space with. Advantage – other creatures.

grr February 25, 2008 (10:28 pm)

It’s a VERY fine line that’s being treaded here. If these were wild ‘dogs’, say, a German Shepard that was loose, eating cats, etc…would we feel the same way?
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yes..they Coyotes have EVERY right to be here. If they didn’t find a plentyful source of food, they’d go to where the FOOD is. Sorry about ya’ll kitties and such, but, keep your pets inside with you, or on a leash, or in a fully fenced back yard.

dingo’s ate my baby.

Thomas February 26, 2008 (8:03 am)

Guys, don’t use mapquest for your map links, just use google maps. Also, you should actually try clicking your map links, because this one doesn’t even display a map.