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The coyote (Canis latrans) is found throughout Washington state, including urban, suburban, and shrubsteppe areas, as well as larger, wooded green spaces and parks within cities.
The coyote may be heard more often than it is seen, especially when it has pups.
During the summer, juvenile coyotes often try out their voices. In winter, when they are more active, or in late winter and early spring, when they have dens and pups to care for, coyotes are more likely to be seen.
Coyotes are most active during the night and twilight hours, with a diverse diet spanning from rabbits to garbage.
They can be beneficial to humans and the environment, by controlling pest populations of rodents and other small animals.
While it is important to keep an eye on children and small pets when in coyote-populated areas, our coyote webpage has some useful tips on avoiding conflicts with these animals.
Avoid early morning and late evening walks with your pet in areas where coyotes are known to be, and keep an eye on children and pets in general to minimize the risk.
If you see a coyote approaching, make loud noises, wave sticks, squirt it with a hose, or otherwise “haze” it. Stand tall, stare into its eyes, and shout. You can also throw something at it.
Those who see coyotes in the city or suburbs can report them to community science programs like Woodland Park Zoo’s carnivorespotter.org/urban-carnivore-spotter.
Besides zoo.org/seattlecarnivores, inaturalist.org is another popular resource for reporting wildlife sightings.
As this is a common species, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) requests not to receive reports about coyotes going about their normal business.
Residents who see coyotes attacking supervised pets (such as leashed dogs) or other aggressive behavior should report it to WDFW biologists and enforcement officers at: wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations.
Sources: WDFW
