WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Four more coyote sightings

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

10:22 AM: We’ve had a resurgence of coyote sightings lately, and we’re publishing the reports because it’s important to understand how to co-exist with them. This morning, Steph and her dogs encountered one in Seaview: “Cayote sighting this morning at 7 a.m. at corner Juneau and 49th. Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera. Not sure if it is newsworthy, but sure took me by surprise as I was walking my dogs.” And on the High Point side of SW Juneau, Zac reported this sighting Tuesday night: “Didn’t get a pic but saw a coyote trot down SW Juneau St from 35th toward the P-patch … 11:30-ish pm.” The state’s “co-existing with coyotes” advice is here. Biggest advice is to not inadvertently leave food out for them (and that includes unaccompanied small pets) – they can find plenty on their own, such as rodents.

NOON: Since publishing that, we received this from Kari:

This coyote ran right behind us on 50th and Spokane Thursday night, just after nine. I did let my neighbors know to spread the word.

ADDED SATURDAY EVENING: We also received this today:

My name is Matt and I live near the Whole Foods in the Junction. This morning I saw a coyote on 40 Ave SW at 4:30 am; it went toward Hudson and turned heading to Fauntleroy.

West Seattle Mad Sci Guy August 5, 2023 (10:34 am)

I feel like we have had an explosion in the bunny population since the pandemic. Possibly part of coyotes resurgence with all the extra cute food hopping around.

Melissa August 5, 2023 (12:33 pm)

Awesome! We look forward to some balance being restored, as well as a reduction in the rat population. Here’s hoping no coyote haters set out poison, as they did when we last had a healthy coyote population.

Anthony August 5, 2023 (1:19 pm)

Neighbor shared that a coyote was following/tracking him and a small dog in the green area on west side of Myrtle Res Park.

Melissa W. August 5, 2023 (3:30 pm)

It’s called escorting and here’s an article about that behavior. https://backyardnaturelab.com/coyote-following-behavior/
- anonyme August 5, 2023 (5:55 pm)
  
  Fascinating. There used to be a coyote den in the wild area behind SSC Arboretum. I would sometimes see pups in the early morning but was never escorted. Or maybe I just didn’t notice!

Beep-beep August 5, 2023 (1:41 pm)

Love the coyotes!

Justme August 5, 2023 (3:40 pm)

We saw a pretty large one out roaming our junction neighborhood recently. It was tall almost the size of a labradoodle.

ttt August 6, 2023 (8:43 am)

coyotes are canines, and they do grow to be the same size as most dogs. In the cities, they do not have the same pack mentality hunting behavior that they do in the countryside. And they are quiet compared to coyotes in the country. I’m glad they are back! The bunny and rat population has gotten out of control!

anonyme August 5, 2023 (4:05 pm)

While working at The Nature Company many years ago, I read a book they carried called Skywater, by Melinda Worth Popham. It’s the coyote version of Watership Down. A lovely book, out of print for many years, but now available again. I really miss the old Nature Company. And coyotes.

Sean August 9, 2023 (3:07 pm)

Coyotes returning is good news. The rabbit population is out of hand. They eat everything green in sight and procreate faster than they die. It will restore some balance. Co-exist. Be safe. Keep your cats and dogs safe. If you are worried about your outdoor cats, you should probably leave them inside. The birds will thank you.

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