Coyote's in Portland

[Dawn Iwamasa]

I'm not very familiar with coyote's since I grew up in an area that didn't have them (Hawaii). So I wanted to get feedback from Portlanders to see if there is really a problem with them here. I live near Forest Heights and have heard that coyotes have been known to hang around this area. There are signs posted in my apartment complex warning pet owners not to let their pets out unattended. Today, someone posted a warning on Craigslist that there was a siting of a huge coyote in this area.

Question is, what should I do if I see a coyote? Are there specific actions I need to do when I'm with my dog or without? Will they leave me/my dog alone if ignored? I've heard they like to lure dogs/pets to them, and that's how they get their prey. Is this true?

[Libby Jackson]

I live near Mt Tabor and there are many, many coyotes. I have 3 big dogs though and one coyote alone is no match for my dogs. Coyotes though, when in packs are very dangerous. My friends aussie was attacked by three of them a week ago in NW portland. It took her owners running off and scaring them to leave their dog alone.

From your profile picture, I assume you have a small dog. Do not allow your dog to go anywhere unattended outdoors. I have noticed that making big arm movements (which makes you appear larger) and making loud noises will scare them off. It is not an odd occurrence to encounter one in our yard. Small dogs and cats should be watched closely.