West Seattle coyotes: Two sightings this afternoon

No coyote reports in the WSB inbox for a long time, and then suddenly, within minutes of each other, two came in this afternoon, from two different neighborhoods (perhaps because it’s spring and almost pupping time). First, Beth reported: “I just passed a large coyote on 42nd and Barton” (map); then, from Jeff:

Saw a coyote on 44th Ave SW mid-block between SW Rose St & SW Southern St [map] at 12:30 PM today. Ducked into the greenbelt between 44th and 45th when it saw us. Third sighting here in the past 2-3 months. Appears to be the same animal.

If you’re a new reader – WSB has long featured coyote sightings and information (archived here, newest-to-oldest) not out of alarmism, but as education. While they more often eat rodents, they do sometimes eat small pets left alone outside, and bereaved pet owners subsequently say they had no idea that could happen. Without food sources – including dog/cat food put outside – and with “hazing” if you encounter one, they can be encouraged to keep their distance, as advised/explained by the state.

D Nelsen March 22, 2014 (5:28 pm)

Is there a reason that these coyotes aren’t being trapped and taken back into the wild?

WSB March 22, 2014 (6:03 pm)

There is no “back to the wild.” This is where they live. If you trap or kill some, the ones left behind have larger litters.

john March 22, 2014 (7:53 pm)

I find it so funny that some folks freak about this. Someone posted a bunch of posters up on pigeon point about coyotes as if something needs to be done about it. OMG! I see them on a regular basis in my north burien’ WC area and all along highland drive to pigeon point. I wouldn’t report them because I don’t like the idea that they need to be managed.I say welcome and the more the better. They get rid of excess varmints and strays. We watched them hunt loose dogs last month in front of our house and rooted them on. Pretty cool. We also don’t report our cascade wolf sightings when hiking for the same reasons. Even as a kid when I watched a cowboy vs indians movie, I always rooted for the indians. Just keep your little foofoo in your condo.

Danico March 22, 2014 (9:15 pm)

I saw a one today in our backyard by Webster/California in Gatewood. He was large

Julia March 23, 2014 (12:23 am)

Heard them last night, just south of Lincoln Park. My midnight walk with small dog was brief.

sbre March 23, 2014 (8:30 am)

I too see them on a somewhat frequent basis during my morning commute on the bike trail that runs along W. Marginal Way. Very rarely during the evening ride home though.

Probably 1-3 times per month.

Most of the sightings occur where the trail curves behind the tractor-trailer parking lot and runs right along the waterway, which also is the area where I see most of the wild-rabbits (however theose little ‘trail-darters’ are all over the place!!!).

A couple of times I’ve spotted one in the park just south of the tour bus facility.

I don’t report these sightings because they’re not news worthy (IMHO), just creatures of God doing their thing.

Live and let live.