There have been recent sightings of coyotes throughout the neighborhood.
The following precautions will diminish the likelihood of a coyote interaction from the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife:
- Don’t leave small children unattended where coyotes are frequently seen or heard. If there are coyote sightings in your area, prepare your children for a possible encounter. Explain the reasons why coyotes live there (habitat/food source/ species adaptability) and what they should do if one approaches them (don’t run, be as big, mean, and loud as possible). By shouting a set phrase such as “go away coyote” when they encounter one, children will inform nearby adults of the coyote’s presence as opposed to a general scream. Demonstrate and rehearse encounter behavior with the children.
- Keep garbage securely covered.
- Keep pet food and water inside and monitor pets when they are outside.
- Do not feed wildlife on the ground, keep wild bird seed in elevated feeders designed for birds, and clean up spilled seed from the ground
- Do not feed feral cats; coyotes prey on the cats and feed on cat food left out for them.
- Minimize ground cover vegetation near children’s play areas, to avoid attracting rodents and small mammals that in turn attract coyotes
- Do not feed coyotes.
- Be assertive toward coyotes that do not show fear of humans (don’t run, be as big, mean and loud as possible)
According to the UP Animal Control page http://www.cityofup.com/animal-control :
Pierce County Animal Control Officers do not handle wild animals.
If you encounter a wild animal, please call the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 877.933.9847. Please use this when you see a particulary
If you find a wild animal that you suspect may be injured, please contact the PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.787.2500 ext. 817.
The Sarvey Wildlife Center is also available for assistance. Please visit their website ( https://www.sarveywildlife.org/) to see if they can assist you.
