Is wildlife really that much of a problem in the Seattle area? (house, neighborhood)

[frostyrides]

Some recent news has been about people complaining about a coyote, wild peacocks that carry diseases, and a raccoon that bit an old lady while trying to protect it's kits.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the concern about wild animals, but is it really that big of a deal? From my own perspective, I grew up in Colorado where it was not that uncommon to see coyotes, foxes, deer, and even bears, yes bears, in the streets of Denver and Colorado Springs and there wasn't really an urgent need to get rid of them.

[VeronikaW]

I saw a bear near my house here in the suburbs. It ran right across the street in front of me. I've also seen deer right in front of my house (and I live in a densely populated suburb). I hear the cougars are what people should really watch out for, though. Coming from CA, I'm used to mountain lions and coyotes.

[JustCallMeTC]

Don't forget the "cougar" in Magnolia. (the 4 legged persuasion lol)

[Ira500]

From what I've read, there has been a fairly large increase in the coyote population of Western Washington. I can't tell you why. Maybe living in LA got to them. Maybe the superficiality didn't suit them, or they grew tired of the taste of chihuahuas

[frostyrides]

Ah, good very well be. I can certainly see the concerns with mountain lions. I kinda appreciate seeing the wildlife, especially after you enjoy your life in the busy metro.

[jinj]

Don't forget that the city people complain if they see a worm, quick call fish and game, help me... etc.
They complain about everything.

They leave their tiny dog outside and are surprised that an animal wants to eat it.

[svartkatt]

I live about 15 minutes from downtown, near a large park. In addition to squirrels, neighborhood domestic kitties and 15 species of birds (including Steller's Jays and Northern Flickers), we have regular visits from raccoons, possums and coyotes. There are also some Cooper's Hawks that swoop through our yard now and again. I wouldn't describe any of them as a problem at all, although coyotes can be an issue if you let your pets outdoors unattended, and a hawk did catch one of the Flickers right on my back porch once, which was upsetting. But we and our indoor-only cat enjoy the nature and watching the wildlife - the raccoons are especially hilarious. Honestly I'm more worried when our neighbors down the street let their Pit Bull run loose all over the neighborhood - that dog freaks me out. I'd much rather confront a wild diseased peacock, if there is such a thing.

[JustCallMeTC]

I used to live in North Beach (Next to Blue Ridge, just southwest of Carkeek Park)

We had the usual raccoons there. Saw a coyote once. We had hawks, eagles and an occasional owl.

The most troublesome critter there was the mountain beaver. It can wreak havoc on hillsides. And it mates as quickly as a rabbit.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by ira500

from what i've read, there has been a fairly large increase in the coyote population of western washington. I can't tell you why. Maybe living in la got to them. Maybe the superficiality didn't suit them, or they grew tired of the taste of chihuahuas

lol

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by jinj

Don't forget that the city people complain if they see a worm, quick call fish and game, help me... etc.
They complain about everything.

They leave their tiny dog outside and are surprised that an animal wants to eat it.

Ain't that the truth