Urban Coyotes Are Invading Seattle Area Neighbors Fear For Pets And Kids

BURIEN - They're hungry wild animals looking for a place to hang out and not just around the Seattle area. Urban coyotes are becoming a growing problem in Bellevue too.

For the last two decades the number of coyotes moving into urban areas has been on the rise due to the animals having no predators in the suburbs and plenty of food sources.

But, some folks like Bryan Anderson are worried about the coyotes moving in, especially after he videotaped one in his backyard.

"We watched it, we saw it there got the camera out, started recording and called up the neighbors to make sure they didn't let their dogs out," said Anderson.

Bryan and his Mom couldn't believe the coyote was so relaxed making itself at home in their yard.

"We did notice it was eating something and that afternoon we noticed there was a carcass that had been well eaten that by that evening was gone," said Anderson.

State Wildlife Officials say the coyote population is booming in suburbia because they have wooded areas for their dens and plenty of rodents to snack on. But, Bryan worries what the animals could do to their pets and children.

"They walk back and forth up and down the street everyday to and from school. So, it's not a safe situation if that coyote gets hungry or scared," said Anderson.

Those fears are shared by neighbors in Bellevue where Derek Tighe came face to face with a coyote while playing with his 3 year old son.

"People don't know there's actually wild animals right here you never know what they'll do we're adults so we can handle a little coyote, children can't I'm worried about the kids right there and my son, everybody plays right here," said Tighe.

So, what do you do if you come face to face with a threatening coyote? Animal control experts say make noise, wave your arms, even throw a few rocks.

Bryan won't let his dog go out while the coyote is still around, and he was surprised to learn the State won't help evict his unwanted guest.

"They said they can't trap him, they can't cage him, nobody will come, no agencies will come out to do it because it's illegal," said Anderson.

State Wildlife Officials will remove a coyote from a neighborhood if it's threatening humans. The best ways to keep the coyotes out of your yard don't leave garbage, cat or dog food even bird seed out in the open.