This is in response to Diane Downie, who wrote the letter about coyotes in her yard (12/29).
We live in Fircrest, on the Leach Creek drainage basin, and have had coyotes in our yard and nearby for many years. They are not a constant presence, so I believe that our neighborhood is one of many places that they pass through. Coyotes move through our area using our many greenbelts as their highway, and sometimes even use the roads. I’m not sure where Butte Terrace is, but look for game trails if you have a greenbelt nearby. The game trails are also used by animals other than coyotes, such as deer and raccoons.
The presence of coyotes is a price that we pay for having our beautiful greenbelts and forested areas. We constantly learn that we are not the only large, top-of-the-food-chain inhabitants of our community. Because we are not, it makes sense to keep our cats and dogs inside at night, and cats and small dogs close to home at all times.
Kris Quinn
Fircrest
R.V. Edington says
This is a comment on Kris Quinn’s letter:
In Steilacoom we are used to a great variety of animals who either roam the town (deer,racoon,etc) but also several which migrate down from Ft. Lewis. We have seen wild turkey, pheasant, red fox, coyote, as well as all of the domestic pests that attack prize roses. Indeed, I saw a fox crossing our property this morning. Very enjoyable!
R.V. Edington
Steilacoom