At least 50,000 coyotes are estimated lto live in the ... - Clark County

ABOUT COYOTESCoyotes and dogs are related. In fact,the coyote looks like a small Germanshepherd except that its muzzle is morenarrow and it carries its bushier tail low.They range from 20-35 pounds and arevarious shades of black, brown, gray,yellow, rust and tan. While it is notuncommon to see coyotes during theday, they are most active at dawn anddusk and during the night, when theirdistinctive yapping, howling and barkingcan be heard. Generally wary of humans,coyotes also can be quite curious and willobserve human activity from what theythink is a safe distance. Despite habitatchanges, this adaptable species continuesto thrive.Coexistingwith coyotesin Clark CountyFor other formats, contact the Clark County ADA OfficeVoice (360) 397-2322, Relay 711 or (800) 833-6388,Fax (360) 397-6165, E-mail ADA@clark.wa.gov.12.2013

An estimated 50,000 coyotes live inthe state of Washington, and coyoteshave been sighted in Clark County. Nolonger just a rural problem, a few coyoteshave been seen loping through more urbanneighborhoods.No coyote attacks on people were documentedin Washington until 2006. That yearin King County, coyotes bit three people,snapped at two others and charged oneperson. The coyotes’ unusually aggressivebehavior likely was from being fed by people.Opportunists as hunters or scavengers, coyoteshave killed or injured several pets.People can safely coexist with coyotesand discourage interactions with them byfollowing a few simple guidelines recommendedby Clark County Animal Protectionand Control. The guidelines are especiallyimportant for people who live along or nearnatural habitat areas or green belts.Never give coyotes a source of food.Research in national parks suggests coyoteattacks are related to loss of their natural fearof humans once they associate people withfood. With the expansion of urban areasand other habitat changes, these intelligentanimals have learned that pet food, garbageand garden crops can provide the basics forsurvival. Never feed any wild animal, eitherdirectly or indirectly. Don’t attract coyotes byputting out food or leaving pet food or wateroutside.Make sure outdoor trash bins are securedso coyotes or dogs can’t get into them.Use tight-locking trash cans or wrap bungeecords around them so they are not easilyopened if knocked over. If you compost, besure to use enclosed bins and never includeanimal matter such as meat, bones, fat or fishscraps. These can draw coyotes more quicklythan decomposing vegetable matter.Keep children’s play areas in your yardfree of groundcover, fruit or birdseedthat could attract small birds or mammals,which are a primary food source for coyotes.Keep fruit trees fenced or pick up fallenfruit. Fruit will attract birds, and coyoteswill try to catch and eat the birds. Also,keep birdfeeders elevated or hanging aboveground. Clean up spilled seed.If your yard is next to a green space,consider fencing your property to prevententry by wild animals. Make sure thefencing is securely anchored and does notcontain gaps coyotes could squeeze through.Fences should be at least six feet tall andextend at least eight inches into the ground.Consider installing a motion-sensitive lightingsystem.Keep pets inside or confined securely in akennel or covered exercise yard, especially atnight. Allow them only controlled access tothe outdoors, such as in a fenced yard or ona leash. Confine poultry in sturdy cages orpens at night.Do not leave small children unattendedin your yard or unsupervised in woodlandareas where coyotes have been spotted.Never approach or run from a coyote.Instead, make yourself look big and shout.Teach children to respect all wildlife from adistance.If a coyote visits your yard, make loudnoises, wave your arms, throw rocks orsticks at it, or spray it with a garden hose.Portable air horns, motor vehicle horns, propanecannons, starter pistols or low-poweredpellet guns can be effective. Help coyotesretain their natural wariness of humans.WHO TO CALL FOR HELPIf these tactics fail and you need help witha serious coyote problem, please contactClark County Animal Protection andControl at (360) 397-2488 or animal@clark.wa.gov.For more information about coyotes,read the state’s Living with Wildlifeseries at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/coyotes.htm.