In Washington, even the state’s urban hubs are just a short drive from mountains, woods, and wilderness. And with that wilderness comes wildlife, in residents’ backyards, crossing roads, and sharing trails.

As residential development expands, suburban areas become more urban and new suburban areas take over wildlife habitat. More and more of us are living in wildlife areas and encountering wild animals. And many of those wild animals have adapted their lifestyles to ours.

Often people live with coyotes nearby and never see them, knowing they are near only when they hear the animal’s occasional night choruses. Understanding these animals is key to reducing human/wildlife conflicts.