Urban coyotes: 1 trapped/killed in Magnolia, but no citywide plan

While wildlife authorities usually evangelize coexistence with coyotes (and other urban wildlife) – as pointed out in this recent WSB report – they decided to take a different tack with two coyotes seen recently and frequently in Magnolia, trapping and killing one this morning, according to the Seattle Times (WSB partner). Though state wildlife agents indicated they were most concerned about the coyotes’ attacks on pets – which happen in other Seattle areas too, West Seattle included – the Times report says they are NOT planning a citywide anti-coyote effort.

Silly Goose January 22, 2010 (3:17 pm)

Oh that is so sad to me, as I understand it was getting aggresive but still heartbreaking to see these lovely animals trapped and killed.

William Brewer January 22, 2010 (4:44 pm)

I’d rather see coyotes roaming the park lands than dogs or ecologically destructive domesticated and feral cats. The 40-pound coyote that was reportedly destroyed must have been a healthy and beautiful animal.

twirl-a-whirl January 22, 2010 (4:46 pm)

I wish they would do the same for the Fauntleroy coyotes, as they have become just as aggressive at times. I had one walk up to me in my yard one evening while talking with friends. . .imagine my shock when I realized what it was! They even took to hanging out in my driveway (looking for pets to eat, no doubt) until I got a coyote deterrent, my new coyote eatin’ doggie! They don’t belong here in the flora and fauna of the city, any more than cougars or bears. All the raccoons in our neighborhood are gone, not to mention all of the neighbor’s cats. . .don’t forget, they killed a woman in Canada this past summer.

Coyote Gorgeous January 22, 2010 (5:01 pm)

Live up in the PigeonPoint hoody.

Leaving for work I occasionally spot one of these creatures, a mature male.

I’ve named him McGinn. He’s skittish and averts his eyes when you ask him for a cogent position paper from his own pen.

Looks like he is surviving, living in the huge greenbelt that runs along West Marginal.

Live and let live I say.

He’ll eventually get comfy with the residents.

JumboJim January 22, 2010 (5:23 pm)

If the coyotes help control all the free-range cats and dogs hereabouts then I say let ’em be. I feel bad for the pets but it’s their human’s decision to let ’em out… If “aggressive” means eating the food that’s available then we are all agressive.

ren January 22, 2010 (6:04 pm)

Everyone has to remember this is naturally coyotes territory (and cougars and bear). People ran them out so if they are coming back, it’s great! They keep rodents populations down! As a small dog owner, I say keep your dog on a leash and keep your cats inside or live with the consequences.
(and there are still plenty of raccoons twirl-a-wirl)

momon35th January 22, 2010 (6:26 pm)

Raccoons kill cats too, I say down with raccoons. We still get them in our backyard, they haven’t gone anywhere. Why not get rid of all wildlife, then the cats that you irresponsibly let out will only get killed by cars, and the odd neighbor.

Amanda January 22, 2010 (7:13 pm)

Obviously the coyotes are surviving, but once they kill all the small animals, they will go after the bigger animals. Trap them, and move them. That’s the humane thing to do. There is a rumor of a coyote in our neighbor’s yard. We have a very smart outdoor cat – and a 6′ security fence. Not too worried.

I worry more about the guy who keeps breaking into all the cars on our street for change. That’s a bigger menace than a coyote.

CB January 22, 2010 (10:41 pm)

One coyote down, several more to go. This needs to be expanded to West Seattle.

dufus January 22, 2010 (10:52 pm)

If they would have left the darn cougar alone in Discovery Park, they wouldn’t be having this coyote problems :) I think if you have chickens roosting in folks yards, they are going to attract coyotes — the smell drives them crazy.

TJ January 23, 2010 (12:23 am)

They’re a menace! Living at the bottom of the Orchard Hill Ravine, I just get tired of having to fill in all of the coyote shaped holes in my yard and the little “Help!” signs they litter up my yard with. Last month one of them even painted my garage door to look like the inside of my garage!

WSB January 23, 2010 (12:24 am)

No anvils?

Leroniusmonkfish January 23, 2010 (9:01 am)

Another example of how Magnolia just can’t co-exist.

OP January 23, 2010 (8:03 pm)

I’ve named him McGinn. He’s skittish and averts his eyes when you ask him for a cogent position paper from his own pen.

I have no whether your post is serious or intentionally funny or not, but this is a riot!

kryptonite January 23, 2010 (11:52 pm)

So it must be “McGinn” who took down the World’s Best Cat (WBC) — Apple — on Pigeon Point, at the end of last summer, in broad daylight (our Apple was not allowed out at night). A heartbreaking time for our family.

Even so, I wish the beast no harm and don’t begrudge him. RIP, Magnolia coyote creature.

Sorry, comment time is over.