Coyote Sightings Around The Lake

Neighbors have reported seeing coyotes, and possibly fox, in and around the yards bordering the shores of Angle Lake.  Please observe the following recommendations to assist in coexisting with coyotes in our area.

Do not feed coyotes

Coyotes in the urban environment have an adequate food supply and are capable of surviving in this environment without our help. In fact, by feeding coyotes you put yourself, your neighborhood and the coyote at risk. A coyote that becomes dependent on humans for food may become too bold around humans, bite someone and have to be destroyed.

Report aggressive coyotes

Aggressive coyotes should be immediately reported to the City of Seatac Police Department at 206.296.3311. If a coyote behaves aggressively toward humans, it will be removed from the neighborhood.

Be prepared!

If you are concerned about encountering an aggressive coyote, you may want to keep a deterrent handy. Deterrents can include rocks, pots and pans, tennis balls, tin cans filled with nails or coins to make loud noise and a super-soaker filled with vinegar.

If a coyote approaches you:

• Appear to be as Big, Mean and Loud as possible
• Make yourself appear larger (stand up if sitting)
• Wave your arms, throw objects (not food) at the coyote and use your deterrent
• Shout in a deep, loud and aggressive voice
• If the coyote continues to approach, DO NOT RUN or turn your back on the coyote. Continue to exaggerate the above gestures while maintaining eye contact and moving toward an area of human activity

Keeping our pets safe. Recognizing the risk is the first step toward preventing conflict between coyotes and your pet. Coyotes will prey on outdoor cats and small dogs. Pets have been reportedly taken from backyards, open spaces and even right off the leash. There are, however, some things you can do to reduce the risk to your pets:

If you own a cat: The only way to guarantee your cat’s safety is to keep it indoors. Removing coyote attractants from your yard and neighborhood will reduce the probability of a coyote visiting your home. Outdoor cats face potential death from cars, diseases, parasites, raccoons and dogs, in addition to coyotes.

If you own a small dog: If you are aware of coyotes in your neighborhood, you can greatly reduce the risk of conflict if you:

• Keep your dog on a short leash while outside and avoid extension leashes
• Supervise your dog when it is off-leash in the yard
• Walk your dog at times and places that coincide with high pedestrian traffic
• Keep your dog in front of you; if your dog stops, keep an eye on it
• Dog walk with other people 

If you own a large dog: Coyotes pose less risk to medium-to large-sized dogs. Keep large dogs on leash, except in designated areas, and discourage your dog from feeling comfortable with coyotes by preventing it from “playing” or interacting with a coyote.