Photo: ERIC BARADAT / AFP / Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
ODFW staff received a report of an incident involving a coyote biting an adult along Orchard Heights Rd. just outside the city limits of West Salem that occurred on Feb. 11.
The Polk County Sherriff’s Office (PCSO) initially responded to the area to conduct a site investigation and determined that a woman was bitten by a coyote while walking along Orchard Heights Rd. The victim suffered minor injuries and was checked out by medical services and released on site. PCSO shared the information with ODFW shortly after investigation and posted a notice on social media with ODFW safety tips on how to avoid conflicts with coyotes.
Over the last several days, ODFW staff have conducted interviews with involved parties, collected and reviewed evidence, shared information and contacted neighbors and nearby schools about the incident. ODFW is working closely with PCSO, the City of Salem and other local, state, and federal government agencies to determine next steps for addressing the human safety situation.
Residents in the Orchard Heights area and surrounding neighborhoods are strongly encouraged to monitor young children and pets while outside, scare away coyotes (through yelling, airhorns, banging pots and pans, throwing objects) whenever possible, and immediately remove any attractants. Under no circumstances should people provide food to coyotes or other predators. It is illegal to feed coyotes under ORS 496.731 and research indicates that feeding by humans is frequently associated with attacks and aggressive behavior.
Coyotes in Oregon
Coyotes are found all across our urban, suburban, rural, and natural landscapes in Oregon. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores and mainly eat rodents, fruit, and nuts but they will also consume whatever food they can find including food waste, pet food, and sometimes small pets like outdoor cats. It is not unusual to see coyotes in urban areas like Salem, even during the daytime. By following a few simple steps, we can all work together to keep people, pets, and coyotes safe.
Follow these tips:
- Remove food sources. Never intentionally or accidentally feed a coyote.
- Never approach a coyote. Scare away bold coyotes (ones that don’t leave when they see people) with loud noises or by throwing objects.
- Monitor young children closely in areas with recent concerning coyote activity.
- Keep your pets safe (either supervised, on a leash, or inside).
- Share these tips with your community.
Please immediately report concerning encounters and aggressive behavior towards people or pets to ODFW at 541-757-4186. Dial 911 in the event of an attack or other emergency.
Source: ODFW