Seattle Park Coyote Sparks Urban Wildlife Debate

A coyote has become a prominent resident in Seattle's Volunteer Park, sparking discussions about human-wildlife coexistence in urban areas. The animal's unusual comfort around people has raised concerns among locals, even though no attacks on people or pets have been reported.

As human populations expand and climate change alters ecosystems, wildlife is increasingly venturing into cities. While coyotes rarely attack humans and often react to provocation, this specific animal's lack of fear suggests habituation, potentially increasing future risks.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife intends to euthanize the coyote to address public safety concerns. However, experts emphasize that preventing habituation is key. This involves never feeding wildlife, securing trash properly, and making noise or appearing large when encountering coyotes to reinforce their natural fear of humans.