A coyote stalked two small dogs in Volunteer Park, Seattle, during Thanksgiving weekend before a parkgoer recorded the encounter and scared the animal away.

The sighting, which unfolded in broad daylight as families and other visitors were in the park, raised fresh concern about coyotes becoming more comfortable near people and pets. Seattle Parks and Recreation is coordinating with wildlife experts, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with Seattle officials to monitor coyote activity. Urban parks are focusing on educating pet owners about responsible pet management to minimize risks during such encounters.

Jason Williams, a parkgoer who recorded the encounter, said he intervened because he feared for the dogs’ safety. “I was just concerned. I thought one of those dogs might get injured,” he said, describing why he shouted to deter the animal. Williams also told reporters, “Coyotes are getting more aggressive and less afraid of people.” This change in behavior has been noted by wildlife experts, who suggest that pet owners should leash their dogs or pick up small ones if they encounter a coyote while walking.

Video of the incident posted online shows the coyote closing in on the two small dogs until Williams and other park visitors shouted and moved toward the animal. Parkgoers raised warnings as the animal lurked nearby, and the coyote ran away after being scared off. No injuries were reported following the encounter; those at the scene expressed relief when the dogs and their owners were unharmed.

Williams said the behavior surprised him because it occurred in the middle of the day on a holiday weekend when the park was busy. He told KING5.com that he had never seen a coyote behaving that way in daylight and that the close approach felt abnormal. A recording of the incident is available on YouTube, where viewers can see how the encounter unfolded. Concerns about how these animals interact with residents and pets have been growing.

Seattle Parks and Recreation’s role, as noted by local officials, is to coordinate with wildlife experts to track and respond to coyote activity in city parks. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is similarly engaged with Seattle officials on reports of aggressive coyote behavior and monitoring steps to address such encounters. The increased sightings have triggered an ongoing dialogue about how best to coexist with urban wildlife while keeping pets safe.

The episode in Volunteer Park added to broader local attention on urban wildlife interactions. Reporting and commentary on shared urban spaces and wildlife management have explored how animals and people coexist in city parks; one contextual look at these issues appears at Environment.

For those at the park, the incident ended without physical harm but with heightened wariness. Williams, who captured the footage and intervened, said simply: “I’ve never seen it in the middle of the day, looking for a meal. That’s very strange.” His account has prompted officials to keep a closer watch on coyote reports in public green spaces.

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Original reporting: view the original article.