Wildlife on Mercer Island

Grass. Beetles. Raccoons. Which of these doesn’t belong?

If you've been by Aubrey Davis Park or Luther Burbank Park lately, you may have seen something odd happening to the grass. Perhaps you’ve driven by the home of a neighbor who appears to have rototilled their front lawn.

This “rototilled” look is not intentional; it's actually the work of hungry wildlife seeking to feast on an invasive beetle found in the grass.

An Uninvited Visitor

An invasive beetle – the European chafer – has made its way from the east coast across the country over the last sixty years. In their larval stage, these invasive beetles feed on grass roots, killing the grass and leaving visible dead patches in the turf.

The European chafer is new to Washington. In fact, they were first detected in SeaTac in 2015. The European chafer has been identified here on Mercer Island, and they’ve made it to the top of the dinner menu for local wildlife including raccoons and crows.

It’s a beetle! How can they do so much damage the lawn?

The most severe damage – that rototilled look (pictured above) – is not actually caused by the European chafer or their larvae (pictured below). The damage is caused by wildlife including crows, raccoons, and skunks that are trying to feed on the grubs (larvae) that live in the dirt under the grass. Raccoons will dig and roll away a section of turf for the meal that lives just two inches under the soil. Crows, on the other hand, will pick, pluck, and pull the larvae out of the grass, taking clumps of grass with it.

What can we do to stop this invasive species?

Unfortunately, not much during this time of year. The tell-tale signs of an infestation become obvious when the larvae are at their biggest, beginning in late fall and peaking in early spring.

Early research has shown that healthy, well-maintained and watered lawns are the best deterrent for the invasive beetle. European chafers lay their eggs in grass that is dry, unfertilized, and dirt that is compacted. The best thing you can do for your lawn is improve its health. As you consider options for improving the health of your lawn, keep in mind that the water runoff from your lawn ends up in Lake Washington, carrying pollutants, insecticides, and fertilizer with it.

The European chafer infestation is being monitored and researched here in Washington and across the country. The City is planning a pilot program to reduce the beetle damage in select parks based on this research.

To learn more about how to identify the European chafer, potential solutions for an infestation, or to report a sighting, visit the Washington Invasive Species Council page on European chafers.

How do we stop wildlife from damaging the turf?

According to experts, the most effective way to deter wildlife like raccoons and crows is to make the area around your home less attractive to them. Don’t inadvertently attract their presence with potential food sources. Secure garbage and compost bins. Don’t put out bird seed or pet food. Clean up barbecue areas and don’t put food of any kind into open compost piles. Clean up any fallen fruit from around fruit trees or leftover vegetables from the garden.

For more ideas visit Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Additional Resources and Information

• Washington Invasive Species Council
• Washington State University Video – European Chafer: A Priority Pest in Washington

Coyote sightings and activity are occasionally reported on Mercer Island. The City works across departments and with state and federal wildlife agencies to monitor coyote behavior and help inform the public.

Coyotes are adaptable animals that have learned to live in even the most urban of environments. Their presence on Mercer Island is not unusual, but here's what you need to know about living with these animals and how to minimize potential interactions:

If you see a coyote on the Island: please report the sighting formally by calling the Mercer Island Police non-emergency number at 425-577-5656: request to speak with a MIPD officer to report a coyote sighting. The officer will ask for basic contact information and will log your sighting in order to accurately track wildlife activity.

If you have a negative interaction with a coyote: call the Mercer Island Police non-emergency number at 425-577-5656: request to speak with a MIPD officer to report a coyote interaction or pet attack. Any attacks on people or pets should be reported as quickly as possible. The officer will take a formal police report and share this information with the USDA’s Wildlife Services Division.

If you are in immediate danger or threatened by an animal: call 911 immediately. This is an emergency and should be treated as such.

If you encounter a coyote, the Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages you to "haze" it by jingling keys, making loud noises, yelling, etc.

Why am I hearing about coyotes on the Island?

If you're viewing this page, you've likely seen or heard recent reports of coyote sightings on social media or from your neighbors.

The City gathers reports of coyote sightings and interactions and communicates with two agencies responsible for wildlife in Washington State: the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services Division.

Please see the following sections for more information and what Islanders should know about these animals.

Should I expect to see or come in contact with a coyote?

The USDA reports it’s unlikely most Islanders will see a coyote. Coyotes tend to be active at night and are naturally afraid of people.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that coyote attacks near or on humans are extremely rare. However, human activity plays a part in increasing these behaviors:

Humans increase the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes by deliberately or inadvertently feeding the animals, whether by handouts or by providing access to food sources such as garbage, pet food, etc. When people provide food, coyotes quickly lose their natural fear of humans and become increasingly aggressive.

Please familiarize yourself with the facts below to help mitigate coyote interactions on the Island and learn what to do if you do see or interact with a coyote.

What part do I play in living with coyotes?

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USDA’s Wildlife Services Division both stress the importance of minimizing natural predator interactions by making smart decisions in relation to our environment. The DFW warns that coyotes quickly lose their fear of people when fed by humans or when comfortable around homes due to easy food sources. In fact, the only documented attack between a coyote and a human in Washington State (which occurred in 2006) was tied to humans feeding wildlife around their homes.

Islanders should:

• Avoid leaving food or garbage out around homes.
• Never feed wild animals or leave pet food out, whether for bunnies, racoons, deer, or otherwise.
• Learn more about preventing coyote interactions with pets (see below).
• Be aware of actions to take if you do see or come in contact with a coyote (see below).

It’s important to understand how humans influence coyote activity to avoid inadvertently encouraging these interactions. Islanders can also familiarize themselves with the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s coyote resource guide to learn more.

I have pets. What should I know?

The City understands that pet owners are concerned about coyote activity on the Island.

The best way to avoid interactions between your pets and coyotes is through prevention:

• Talk with your neighbors and make sure no one is feeding wildlife or leaving food sources out.
• Supervise your pets when outdoors, keep dogs leashed.
• Bring your pets in at night or when supervision isn’t possible.
• Do not leave pet food out at any time.

We understand this may mean a change in behavior for some pet owners, however these standard recommendations are important for any household with pets in Western Washington. Please visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s coyote resource guide for more information on pet interactions and prevention tips.

If I come in contact with a coyote, what should I do?

Coyotes are naturally fearful of humans. If you encounter a coyote, the Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages you to "haze" it by jingling keys, making loud noises, yelling, etc. This will likely scare the animal off. If coyotes have repeated interactions with humans like this, they are prone to staying afraid and avoiding people moving forward.

All coyote sightings and interactions on Mercer Island should be reported using the appropriate option below:

If you see a coyote on the Island: please report the sighting formally by calling the Mercer Island Police non-emergency number at 425-577-5656: request to speak with a MIPD officer to report a coyote sighting. The officer will ask for basic contact information and will log your sighting in order to accurately track wildlife activity.

If you have a negative interaction with a coyote: call the Mercer Island Police non-emergency number at 425-577-5656: request to speak with a MIPD officer to report a coyote interaction or pet attack. Any attacks on people or pets should be reported as quickly as possible. The officer will take a formal police report and share this information with the USDA’s Wildlife Services Division.

If you are in immediate danger or threatened by an animal: call 911 immediately. This is an emergency and should be treated as such.

Are coyotes being removed from the Island? What’s the City doing about them?

Following reported coyote sightings and pet attacks in November of 2021, the City worked closely with the USDA’s Wildlife Services Division upon referral from the Department of Fish and Wildlife to better understand the Island’s coyote population and identify what should be done. The USDA’s urban coyote expert conducted a multi-day field visit and in-person analysis, including coyote tracking, resident interviews, and review of coyote reports. The final analysis and report was presented to the public in a community meeting and shared across the City’s communications channels. The report concluded that coyote activity on the Island at that time was limited to just a few animals and their behavior was normal, with no indication of unusual risk to the community. The report also recommended Islanders take steps to discourage coyote interactions.

Several sightings and pet attacks were circulated on social media midway through January of 2022, and subsequently reported to the City. The City reengaged with the USDA’s urban coyote expert to assess that coyote activity. They identified two coyotes displaying increased comfortability around humans and homes - the USDA experts determined that removal of these animals was needed under current guidelines, and the two coyotes were euthanized following USDA protocol.

There are several laws dictating coyote management in Washington State. Capturing and relocating Coyotes is prohibited under state law, and the only option to remove animals from the Island entails euthanasia, which the responsible agencies only enact when certain patterns of behavior are evident.

It’s important to have the most accurate information to inform appropriate management actions. If you see or interact with a coyote, please report it officially through the Mercer Island Police Department using the instructions above.

The City has also developed a Coyote Management Plan that outlines the City’s response to coyote activity. The draft plan was presented to the City Council and received unanimous endorsement from all councilmembers at the February 1, 2022 regular council meeting.

You can contact the City’s customer service team to learn more on how to report a coyote sighting or for referrals to additional wildlife management information from the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USDA’s Wildlife Services Division.

Where should I look for updates and information?

We encourage all Islanders to continue checking this Let’s Talk page, subscribe to our email newsletter, and follow us on social media for updates on wildlife activity on the Island.

Please be aware that posts and comments on social media outlets like NextDoor have contained inaccurate facts or misinformation on this topic. It’s important that community members report any coyote sightings or interactions using the official avenues outlined above. We also encourage you to follow the City’s official NextDoor page for verified updates from the City.