Magnolia is a quiet Seattle neighborhood that boasts a central village where folks walk their dogs and is home to one of the best parks in Seattle, Discovery Park. Last summer Magnolia had quite a bit of excitement when first a bear and then a cougar paid a visit. (MAP)
For the last few months a notorious villain has stalked the neighborhood in search of prey. As its reputation grows in the fearful minds of residents, its behavior is becoming ever bolder. This perpetrator of stealth and violence is a coyote. This one is becoming habitualized to the neighborhood and has lost its natural fear of humans.
The chatter on the neighborhood BLOG, the Magnolia Voice, has been increasing. It reached new heights yesterday when a small dog named Tina was snatched from the owner, right in front of a bus load of school kids, and dragged into the woods. KIRO TV had a news team nearby who were able to cover the story as it developed.
What is it with these predators who think they can come into our cities and wreak havoc? Perhaps they know all too well that it is an urban jungle out there. As our cities grow outward and the natural habitat of many predators decline, it is only natural that they will turn to the urban ecosystem as a source of refuge.
Each day I walk my dogs. It is readily apparent what a rich and bio-diverse hunting ground exists in our neighborhoods. A typical day will have my hounds on the scent of raccoons, rats, cats, squirrels, rabbits and tasty small lap dogs. It’s a regular smorgasborg out there. The prey density in our cities can be greater than the average wilderness setting. If you are a coyote, you can satisfy all your needs within a few square blocks. And yes, we have seen the Magnolia coyote on our walks through the hood.
So what will be the verdict for this urban coyote? Will we eliminate him or her in our desire to sterilize the environment of all predators? Or will we live with an acceptable level of collateral pet damage? What do you think?
Unlike the wolf, the coyote has proven to be almost impossible to eliminate from a food rich location. They do not call him wiley coyote for nothing. We can get rid of this one, but surely another will come along to take his place. Learn more about the coyote. Knowledge is your best defense against such a foe.
I say, it is a jungle out there. Your pet is your responsibility. Most urban pets are completely unaware of the dangers that lurk around every corner. From cars to coyotes, the only thing that protects little Tina is your vigilance and your leash.
Be amazed, Denny