Wildlife experts told a crowd of nearly 100 islanders last week that the number of coyotes living on the island is expected to keep increasing for some time.

“Without any intervention, we’re going to see more and more coyotes and more and more conflicts,” said Brook Zscheile of the Wildlife Services division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Zscheile was on the island with C.G. Hartness, who grew up on Vashon and also works for the USDA. Last Thursday, they spoke to a standing-room-only crowd about coyotes and fielded questions about the animals’ burgeoning numbers on Vashon.

Just a few years ago, coyotes were a rare sight on the island, but now they are common, with the Vashon Nature Center estimating there are some 45 of the animals traveling the island, eating mostly rodents, but also livestock and people’s pets.

Zscheile noted that, like many animals, the coyote population increases on a J-curve, with a moderate increase initially, and then an abrupt, steep spike.

With this in mind, he said it is vital that islanders not feed the animals, intentionally or inadvertently. That means securing garbage, feeding pets indoors and not feeding birds, which can draw rodents — coyotes’ favorite prey.

“Wildlife is wild life,” Hartness stressed, drawing out the last words. “Leave it wild.”

The men also stressed the importance of “hazing” coyotes — or taking measures to scare them away whenever people see them. Zscheile stated this must occur frequently, not just when people feel like it.

“Always, always, always,” he told those gathered.

If the animal turns to leave, he added, people should keep going after it, making sure to leave an impression.

Maggi McClure, one of the event organizers, said she feels this piece of information is essential for those who want to keep their animals safe from coyotes, as well as those who are happy to see coyotes on the island.

“That is a huge message. Love them or hate them, either way, you want to scare them away,” she said.

Fellow organizer Lyndsey Braun-Palmer, who owns sheep with McClure, concurred.

“People need to be educated, not just about our livestock, but people too, and if we are hazing them, maybe our problems will not be as big,” she said.

Many individuals on the island have not been affected by coyotes, including Tammy Dunakin, who owns many goats for her Rent-a-Ruminant business. But McClure said it is sheep and cat owners who have born the brunt of coyotes on Vashon.

“I have had to dig a lot of graves in the last three years. There is great sadness with that,” she said.

Bianca Perla, who heads the Vashon Nature Center, also attended the event, and noted that she disagreed with some of the most extreme coyote population projections, as she believes the amount of food and territory will limit the animals — but at what amount, she cannot say.

“I do not think we are at the leveling off point, and I do not know where that is,” she said.

Although it is a rare occurrence, coyotes do sometimes attack humans, and McClure said she would like to see education for island youth about being safe around predators.

“This isn’t just for camping,” she said. “This is in our backyard now. You have got to be prepared.”

Perla agreed that education is important and noted that another wildlife specialist will come Oct. 27 to talk about the cougar living on the island.

She added that she hopes islanders can continue to show respect for one another in this ongoing conversation, as well as for the predators — cougars, bears and coyotes.

“My hope is that fear does not overcome our ability to keep a level head and respect them,” she said.

Hazing coyotes

Using a variety of different hazing tools is critical; coyotes can habituate to individual items, sounds and actions.

• Yell and wave your arms while approaching the coyote.

• Use noisemakers: Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, soda cans filled with pennies or dead batteries, pots and pans banged together can be effective.

• Try projectiles: Sticks, small rocks, cans, tennis balls and rubber balls can scare them away.

• Get creative: Hoses, water guns with vinegar pepper spray, bear repellent and walking sticks may also be used.

• Be loud and large: The simplest method of hazing a coyote involves being loud and large. Stand tall, wave your arms and yell at the coyote, approaching it if necessary, until it runs away.

— Adapted from The Humane Society of the United States