Coyote in Malden area said cause of dog death

A coyote has been spotted in and around Malden and has apparently been the cause of animal-related deaths recently.

“There’s one large male coyote coming into town,” said Karen Wallace, town clerk.

Wallace reported that on Aug. 25 the coyote ate a small dog.

“He ate one of our resident’s dogs,” she said. “She was out in the yard with her two dogs and heard a yip. That was the last anyone saw of the poor little fella.”

Wallace said it is believed there is one coyote coming through town, rather than multiple.

“We’re guessing it’s the same one,” she said.

A number of chickens in town have also been killed by the coyote.

Town officials have been instructed to educate residents about coyote safety through the town’s newsletter, which goes out monthly with water bills.

Through the newsletter, residents are advised to be cautious with animals and children less than 25 pounds, advising them to not let them be outside alone.

“There’s really not a lot else you can do with coyotes,” said Wallace.

Wallace also reported that coyotes are common in the Malden area.

“Coyotes in this area are unfortunately not uncommon. There’s a lot of wild rabbits in the fields,” she said.

“Residents are also reminded it is unlawful to discharge firearms in the town,” said Wallace.

Any coyote incidents or sightings should be reported to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

According to the department’s website, coyote incidents with humans are rare, and if they do occur, it is usually as the result of humans feeding the coyote.

“Humans increase the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes by deliberately or inadvertently feeding the animals, whether by handouts or by providing access to food sources such as garbage, pet food or livestock carcasses,” the website states. “When people provide food, coyotes quickly lose their natural fear of humans and become increasingly aggressive. They also become dependent on the easy food source people provide. Once a coyote stops hunting on its own and loses its fear of people, it becomes dangerous and may attack without warning.”

The Spokane office of the Department of Fish and Wildlife can be contacted at 509-892-1001.