Coyote's fate still up in the air
SEATTLE -- A federal agency says it may trap - rather than shoot - a coyote that has attacked a cat and chased a dog near Navy housing in Seattle's Discovery Park.
Residents living in Naval housing on the park complained that the animal was getting far too close for comfort.
"The problem here is it likes it's a situation where the aberrant behavior of the animal is putting our people in danger," said Navy spokesman Rick Huling.
But the federal goverment's initial plan to bring in a sharpshooter to kill the coyote did not go over well with city officials.
"We have indicated to them that if they were to discharge a firearm within a park limit that we would take legal action," said Seattle Parks Department spokeswoman Joel Ligon.
The city parks department has been in talks with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has been charged with taking care of the coyote for the Navy.
The USDA said that instead of a sharpshooter, they'll consider using live traps and then euthanizing the coyote.
The city, however, says no traps will be allowed on park property.
"We are categorically opposed to any interference with the coyote at all," Ligon said.
As far as distinguishing city property from military grounds, it's hard to tell. That's why the city has asked the military to come out and walk the grounds with them to make sure there are no mistakes about property lines.
Federal officials said they will hold off on making a decision about how to proceed until they have more meetings with the city.
Residents living in Naval housing on the park complained that the animal was getting far too close for comfort.
"The problem here is it likes it's a situation where the aberrant behavior of the animal is putting our people in danger," said Navy spokesman Rick Huling.
But the federal goverment's initial plan to bring in a sharpshooter to kill the coyote did not go over well with city officials.
"We have indicated to them that if they were to discharge a firearm within a park limit that we would take legal action," said Seattle Parks Department spokeswoman Joel Ligon.
The city parks department has been in talks with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has been charged with taking care of the coyote for the Navy.
The USDA said that instead of a sharpshooter, they'll consider using live traps and then euthanizing the coyote.
The city, however, says no traps will be allowed on park property.
"We are categorically opposed to any interference with the coyote at all," Ligon said.
As far as distinguishing city property from military grounds, it's hard to tell. That's why the city has asked the military to come out and walk the grounds with them to make sure there are no mistakes about property lines.
Federal officials said they will hold off on making a decision about how to proceed until they have more meetings with the city.