Wildlife Management

Wildlife Management on Mercer Island

Mercer Island is home to a variety of wildlife, and encounters with animals such as coyotes, deer, raccoons, and other species are a normal part of living in the region. The City’s approach to wildlife management focuses on public safety, community education, reducing conditions that can contribute to wildlife conflicts, and providing residents with practical information about how to respond to wildlife encounters.

In 2022, the City adopted a Coyote Management Plan developed in cooperation and coordination with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The plan established a consistent framework for evaluating reported coyote activity based on animal behavior and the circumstances of an encounter, rather than simply the presence of coyotes in the community. It also provides guidance for determining when education, monitoring, consultation with wildlife professionals, or additional intervention may be appropriate.

The City continues to work with WDFW and other appropriate agencies when wildlife issues require specialized expertise. Residents also play an important role in reducing wildlife conflicts by eliminating food and other attractants, supervising pets, avoiding the intentional feeding of wildlife, and reporting concerning or aggressive wildlife behavior.

The resources below provide additional information about Mercer Island’s Coyote Management Plan, wildlife safety, reporting concerns, and steps residents can take to reduce conflicts with wildlife.

Coyote Management Plan