Summer is a special time in the Arboretum as young wildlife begin to explore. Coyote pups and adults have been spotted in our spaces in recent weeks. These animals are an important part of our local ecosystem and help control small rodents. Seeing them reminds us that our urban green spaces are shared habitats and that we all play a role in keeping both people and wildlife safe.
Keep Coyotes Wild: What You Can Do
People play a role
Coyotes are part of the Arboretum ecosystem. The best way to keep both wildlife and people safe is to help coyotes maintain their natural wariness of humans. Habituation often begins when wildlife gains easy access to food.
Never feed coyotes or leave food behind
Food scraps, pet food, overflowing garbage, bird seed, and picnic leftovers can attract coyotes and teach them to associate people with food. What starts as a single food reward can change wildlife behavior over time.
Keep food attractants secured at home, too
Coyotes travel across parks, greenbelts, and neighborhoods. Securing garbage, feeding pets indoors, cleaning up fallen fruit, and limiting other food sources at home helps keep coyotes wild throughout our region.
Practice humane hazing
If a coyote approaches or lingers nearby, be big and loud. Clap your hands, raise your arms, and use a firm voice to encourage it to move away. Humane hazing is one of the most important tools for reinforcing a healthy fear of people.
Give coyotes space
Keep children close, leash pets, and never approach or follow a coyote. If needed, calmly back away and allow the animal room to move off. Do not run.
By staying aware and respectful, we help ensure the Arboretum remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone, human and wild alike.
Learn more about what to do if you encounter a coyote and how to report sightings: Coyote | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
PHOTO: Coyote in the Arboretum. (Courtesy Paul “Mooselips” Dudley)
Report Incidents
- Call 9-1-1 for emergencies or to report an immediate public safety issue.
- Report general coyote sightings on Carnivore Spotter.
- Report attacks on supervised pets to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2936 or wdfw.wa.gov/about/enforcement/report.
- Report aggressive coyote incidents to Arboretum staff at Graham Visitors Center main desk (206-543-8800 or uwbg@uw.edu).
- Chronic occurrences of conflict with coyotes can also be reported to the USDA Wildlife Services Washington office: aphis.usda.gov/wildlife-state-offices.
Sarah Hilbert is the Communications Director at Seattle Botanic Gardens.
