Seattle Parks and WDFW manage urban coyotes through public education and hazing rather than removal. Feeding coyotes is prohibited under SMC 9.25.084, and WDFW handles aggressive animals under WAC 220-440.
Coyotes are established residents of Seattle's greenbelts, golf courses, and parks. Seattle Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Woodland Park Zoo's Carnivore Spotter program, focuses on coexistence. Hazing — yelling, waving arms, banging pots — is encouraged to reinforce wariness of humans. Feeding coyotes (or any wildlife) is prohibited under SMC 9.25.084 wildlife-feeding rules, with fines starting at $54. Lethal removal occurs only for coyotes showing clear human aggression, requiring a WDFW wildlife specialist response under WAC 220-440. Pet owners are advised to keep cats indoors and small dogs leashed; coyote attacks on pets at dawn/dusk are common.
Wildlife feeding (including coyotes): $54-$500 under SMC 9.25.084. Killing a coyote without WDFW authorization in city limits: gross misdemeanor under RCW 9.41.230 firearms-discharge.
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