JBLM Issues Warning For Contacting Wildlife On-Base

JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, WA — Base officials this week issued a reminder warning to residents both on Joint Base Lewis-McChord and nearby to remain cautious when coming into contact with the various wildlife indigenous to the region, such as coyotes, raccoons, and black bears.

While wildlife can of course be dangerous to people, they may be even more so for domestic pets — particularly small dogs that are let out to relieve themselves without an owner's watchful eye on them.

According to JBLM Director of Public Works Cathy Hamilton-Wissmer, trash, birdseed, and pet food are often the biggest draws for wildlife into urban or otherwise inhabited areas. To assist with preventing as many needless encounters as possible, Hamilton-Wissmer offered the following tips:

• Never leave pets or small children unattended where coyotes are frequently seen or heard. If there are coyote sightings in your area, prepare your children for a possible encounter by explaining the reasons why coyotes live there. These include; habitat, food sources and species adaptability.
• If a coyote does approach, don't run and be as big, mean and loud as possible. Teach children to shout "go away coyote" when encountering one to inform nearby adults of the coyote's presence.
• Family housing residents are encouraged to avoid leaving food — including dirty barbecue grills, trash cans, pet food and bird feeders — outdoors overnight to discourage bears, raccoons, coyotes and other wildlife from entering housing areas. Always be sure to feed dogs and cats indoors.
• Never pet wildlife. A wild animal can inflict serious wounds or cause rabies, and it's best to admire from afar.
• Coyotes are curious but timid animals and will generally run away if challenged. Sightings of coyotes are most frequent right after sunset and before sunrise. However, never instigate a close encounter.
• Remember that any wild animal will protect itself or it's young.

"Please report any wild animal that does not exhibit normal avoidance behavior to your Lewis-McChord Communities Housing office," Hamilton-Wissmer said in her announcement. "They'll be able to reach out to the correct authority."

JBLM-stationed families and individuals can reach the housing office by calling 253-912-2150.