The two coyotes that have been roaming around Magnolia for the last couple of months may have made their way over to Queen Anne. One reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, has written in to report two sightings on the west side of the hill yesterday, Monday, January 18.

(Photo taken from previous sighting via sister-site, MagnoliaVoice, courtesy of reader Ginni Wilson who spotted the coyote in the front yard of her Magnolia home.)

Our tipster wrote,

I saw a large male coyote last night at 5:30pm at 12th Ave West and Gilman heading toward 15th Ave. It appeared to be looking for food. Spoke with a police officer and he said there are two coyotes, one male and one female, living near the Interbay Golf Center and the male is aggressive and has killed at least two dogs. Spoke with another neighbor in QA that lives near 10th and she found a coyote yesterday morning, she believes it was the smaller female one, on the other side of her picket fence nose to nose with her dog. She scared it away by spraying it with water from her garden hose.

We haven’t confirmed whether or not the coyotes have in fact been responsible for killing two dogs. One small dog was attacked by one of the coyotes in Magnolia last week, and although vets initially thought she wouldn’t make it, she has pulled through and – after over $1,000 in vet bills (generously covered by two anonymous donors) – is recovering well.

Although coyote attacks on domestic animals are considered highly uncommon, the recent sightings and the fact that the two coyotes roaming the area don’t seem to be shy around people at all, leaves some concern for the safety of pets and small children. According to wildlife officials, there were no documented coyote attacks on people in the state until April, 2006, when the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife had to euthanize two coyotes who bit two young children in Bellevue. It is believed this unusually aggressive behavior may be a result of coyotes being fed by people, which is why official urge residents to never give them food, even inadvertently. To avoid attracting a coyote, never leave pet food outside, secure your garbage containers, compost and gardens, and pick up fallen fruit and spills from bird feeders. It is also recommended that small pets, including outdoor cats, are brought into the house as much as possible, especially at night.

Read more information on what to do if you come across a coyote here. You can read the Seattle Times coverage of the recent sightings here. And if you see one of the coyotes around the neighborhood, comment below, or email us information and pictures to tips@queenanneview.com

The Seattle Police Department has put together a list of safety tips for parents whose children will be trick-or-treating tomorrow evening. Even though Queen Anne was voted the #2 neighborhood to collect Halloween loot in the city, you never can be too cautious. Here’s what they say:

• Don’t allow children go “Trick or treating” alone. An adult should accompany young children and make sure that all children carry a glow stick or flashlight and wear reflective clothing.

• Accompany young children to the door of every house they approach. Stay within sight of the door when opened.  Children should be cautioned to never enter a home without prior permission from their parents.

• Stay in familiar neighborhoods and only visit well-lighted homes that have their outdoor lights on.  Parents should be familiar with every house and with all people from which the children receive treats.

• Children should be cautioned never to approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know the owner and are accompanied by a parent.

• All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant. When using facemasks, make sure the child can see and breathe properly and easily.

• Don’t cut through yards, parks or alleys. Walk, don’t run, and stay on the sidewalks, cross only at intersections and crosswalks, not between cars.  Don’t forget to look both ways before crossing the street.

• Be sure to carry a flashlight with fresh batteries and make sure your child knows your phone number and address.   For children under 12, attach a tag with their name, address and phone number (including area code) to their clothes in case they get separated.  Older children who might be going out with friends should have a cell phone, mapped route and set a time to come home.

• Children should be cautioned to remember any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents, a trusted adult or the police.

• Children should be cautioned to run away immediately from people who try to lure them with special treats.  Children should be instructed to scream and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them, in any way, to go with them.

• Don’t approach unknown animals or pets; they could be frightened by the costumes or strange noises.

• Parents should inspect all treats and dispose of anything that has been opened or has never been wrapped. The police should be notified if something has been tampered with.

Happy Halloween Queen Anne! Be safe.

The rain is beginning to set in, a sign that the winter season is just around the corner for Seattle. And cold temperatures mean it’s out with fans and in with household heaters. According to the Seattle Fire Department, “Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February.” So with winter on the horizon, the fire department has offered residents a few tips on how to heat your home safely. Here’s what they say:

• Keep items away from all heaters, including baseboard heaters
• All furniture, curtains, or any other items should be kept at least 12 inches away from baseboard heaters
• Never block the flow of heat
• Have your heating systems and chimneys inspected, cleaned and repaired prior to the heating season

The fire department also recommends you install smoke alarms on every level and outside every sleeping area in your apartment or home. They say you should test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

For more fire safety tips, click here.