Recently, there have been coyote sightings in the Kenmore area and, even more disturbing, a coyote killed by an illegal trapping device in the neighboring township of Lake Forest Park.

Coyotes are nothing new, nor are they a problem that is likely to disappear. Kenmore police advise people to contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) or the US Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services unit when these sightings are reported.

“Sightings themselves are ‘actionable’ no more than seeing a skunk or raccoon, but if people are concerned, we want to know about it,” said Craig Bartlett, public information officer for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “…It’s really unusual for coyotes to turn on people, usually there’s some feeding involved when that happens.”

Coyote attacks are rare. The first recorded case of a coyote attack in Washington took place in April 2006, when one coyote bit two young children who were playing near their parents, and that animal was euthanized for unusually aggressive behavior.

“If you have a sighting, pay attention to the behavior of the coyote,” said Andy Cleland, wildlife specialist for the USDA Wildlife Services unit. “Keep in mind the five W’s; who what when where and why. The important pieces are the time of day, where you were at, what the coyote was doing, when you first observed it, and – the most important thing that we look at – is how the coyote reacts when it realizes it’s being observed by a human.”

Naturally a curious creature, coyotes aren’t combative in normal interactions and, more often than not, will run away if challenged. The WDFW suggests waving your arms, throwing stones, shouting at the coyotes and making yourself larger by standing.

Trying to make the animals realize you are not prey is key. You can also deter the animal with a powerful spray of water from a hose or by spraying them with a vinegar-filled water gun.

Do not run away. Like many predators, fleeing is often seen as a prey’s response. A slow backing away while making noise and seeming larger to the animal is a safer way to get away.

In order to deter coyotes near a house, prevention is the best defense. While many internet neighborhood community groups have suggested predator urine as a means to scare coyotes off, this may actually be the worst course of action.

“One of the things we use to capture coyotes, when that’s necessary, is urine of several different types, including coyote, fox, [wolf and cougar] urine,” Cleland said. “Almost all urine is an attractant to coyotes.”

Instead of using urines, ensure the fence of the home is around four- to five-feet tall and, to deter diggers, place concrete blocks or metal wire mesh at the base of the fence and extending out a foot or two.

Those with outdoors pets, such as cats, dogs, or fowls, should bring them inside when it’s dark.

According to Cleland, some of the best preventative medicine is to learn more about how coyotes live. Learning more about these native animals and how to live near them without issue is much more helpful than removing the animals, as that only leaves a temporary void that will be filled with other coyotes.

The USDA Wildlife Services won’t send out an investigator either, but they do keep track of coyote sightings and may be able to answer questions about coyotes in the area. The USDA Wildlife Services unit can be reached at 360-337-2778.