Lane County Parks announced on Mar. 18 that it has removed one coyote from the Howard Buford Recreation Area, also known as Mt. Pisgah, following a rise in coyote sightings and changes in animal behavior that raised safety concerns for visitors and wildlife.
The decision comes after more than 30 coyote sightings were reported in January alone, with reports indicating that coyotes have been approaching people, following dogs, and showing little fear of humans. The animals have also been seen near parking lots and busy areas of the park, which is a shift from previous years when most sightings occurred away from these locations.
Wildlife biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) assisted Lane County Parks in assessing the situation. They found evidence suggesting that some visitors had been feeding coyotes, which is illegal and can lead to dangerous interactions between wildlife and people. Coyote scat examined by biologists appeared to contain pet food, supporting claims that feeding was taking place.
Parks Manager Brett Henry said, “The removal of one and possibly more coyotes from the park was a difficult and heart-breaking decision to make. But we have to consider the safety of park visitors and, unfortunately, the choice some visitors have made to feed these wild animals and encourage them to see people as a source of food created a dangerous and untenable situation.”
Non-lethal methods such as hazing were considered but found ineffective for habituated coyotes. ODFW guidance prohibits relocating coyotes due to poor outcomes for relocated animals. Lane County Parks continues to monitor coyote behavior with ODFW support and may euthanize additional animals if aggressive encounters persist.
Park officials remind visitors that feeding wildlife is against state law. They encourage anyone who sees someone feeding or encouraging wildlife at Mt. Pisgah to report it to Lane County Parks or Oregon State Police.
