LFP Wildlife Task Force Focuses on Education

Last July, a in the backyard of a home in Lake Forest Park near Grace Cole Park.

Soon after, , as they fed of the carcass of the ram, at the request of the homeowners Eric and Nancy Gorbman.

Some neighbors were supportive of the removal of the coyotes which had lost their fear of humans, according to Matt Stevens, the USDA wildlife biologist. 

Others were incensed that a federal agent could legally come into their neighborhood and kill animals.

After , a Wildlife Task Force was formed by the City Council to come up with solutions to living with wildlife. 

The group appeared at Third Place Commons on Nov. 29, showing displays on the kinds of wildlife found in the city such as coyotes and raccoons and asking for input. Chris Anderson, a wildlife biologist with the state department of Fish and Wildlife, also was on hand to answer questions and hand out literature. 

One person wrote: "We live in LFP becauase we like wild animals—including coyotes. I believe we can live peacefully with wildlife. More education would help make it happen."

Another said: "Please prohibit USDA from coming in and killing without any authorization from the LFP City Council."

Nearly 200 responses have been gathered since August to refine an extensive wildlife plan. 

"The Task Force did a good job collecting feedback," said Aaron Halverson, environmental programs manager for the city. "I think it's a good example of what a task force can do."

Michelle LeMoine, a member of the Task Force, who spoke out against the shooting of the coyotes in July, said the group is in discussions with the city attorney about a city policy that would require a memorandum of understanding, "before any killing is done in the city."

The Task Force made a presentation to the City Council at its Dec. 1 meeting. 

"People I spoke to were positive about what we're doing," she said.

In the meantime, people must keep cats and dogs indoors, keep them on a leash while walking them, and use appropriate enclosures for livestock.