Increased coyote sightings and the suspected killing of a dog by a coyote in North Seattle were featured in a KING 5 news report on Nov. 6.

The next day, the Times/News received several reports that coyotes-each the size of a large Labrador retriever-had been seen in the area where Des Moines Beach Park borders Normandy Park.

Then came the news that Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Patrice Thorell had lost her little Pomeranian dog, the victim of an apparent coyote attack.

Before her dog's body was discovered, Thorell had posted missing fliers in the area.

Master Animal Control Officer Jan Magnuson with the Des Moines Police Department noted that, "as native wildlife, coyotes live in most areas of Washington ... [and] have learned to adapt and live peacefully around humans, and are now readily seen in urban, suburban and rural areas."

Magnuson warned that leaving pet food outside, as well as intentionally feeding wildlife, will invite coyotes and other native wildlife such as raccoons and foxes into residential yards to eat the free food.

To lessen the risk of conflict with wildlife including pet tragedies such as this one, she advised owners never to feed wildlife, never to leave pet food outside, to properly secure trash containers and always to "keep a close eye on family pets.

"Cats and small dogs may be at the highest risk of having a conflict with wildlife," Magnuson continued. "Pets should never roam loose, and even in a fenced yard should be monitored if wildlife has been observed nearby.

In addition, removing underbrush where wildlife can hide and plugging holes that wildlife could use to enter buildings will help protect pets-and people-as will repellant devices.

Anyone who observes a wild animal not showing normal fear of humans and/or acting strangely should contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife at 425-775-1311, or call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate threat to public safety.

Magnuson can be contacted at 206-870-6549 or 206-878-3301