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Traffic on Highway 16

Crime Watch

Click HERE for the Crime Watch Report and Online Submission Form

Numbers to Know

Click HERE for often-needed Island Numbers

Fox Island Coyote Information

On November 15, 2011 an excellent and well-attended "Living with Wildlife"  forum was organized by FICRA and presented by representatives of Washington Sate Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and theUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The Q&A was lively and informative.  Key points from the forum include:

  • Coyotes are everywhere in Washington State with large populations on Fox Island and Anderson Island – interestingly both islands have large deer populations too.
  • They are territorial and will defend that territory from other coyotes
  • They are omnivorous, excellent hunters and scavengers, and generally an important part of the natural system.  They eat rodents and other small game, fruits, vegetables and natural waste.
  • They are also opportunists and will eat dog and cat food, garbage, compost fruits, vegetables, as well as cats and small dogs if given the chance
  • They are normally elusive and avoid human contact.  However, through human contact, they will lose their fear of humans and become a problem coyote
  • If approached or confronted by a problem/aggressive coyote, pick up small children, make yourself seem larger by standing up straight and don’t run.  It is a good idea to carry a stick, pepper spray or other means of defense when walking or jogging.  The USDA representatives only knew of two confirmed reports of coyotes biting people in state of Washington.
  • Coyotes use their feet to climb over and dig under things such as fences and are even willing to slide through the wires of an electric fence
  • A best practice for living with coyotes is to remove the opportunity for them to frequent your yard and area around your house by proper fencing and barriers, keeping chickens and rabbits in secure pens, not leaving pet food outside, not feeding stray animals, keeping garbage and compost in tight containers and your small pets inside at night – generally remove the food sources and opportunities for them to gain a quick and easy meal
  • The USDA representatives indicated it is not possible to eradicate all coyotes because as one is removed another will take his or her place
  • We are not allowed to shoot them unless we are protecting our livestock, our children or ourselves.  Remember there is a county ordinance against discharging a firearm on Fox Island.
  • The USDA is a resource for information on dealing with coyotes and to help remove problem coyotes (this is done by shooting them) – They only remove coyotes they deem as a problem and will not kill coyotes to reduce the population.
  • The USDA, when engaged to deal with problem coyotes, will assess the situation including what the owner has done to secure their property and animals from encouraging coyotes to visit, to what degree there are problem/aggressive coyotes in the area and, where indicated, remove problem coyotes.  There is a fee for this service that the owner(s) has to pay.
  • The USDA representatives stated that it would cost around $5,000 to remove a few of the problem coyotes (those that have lost heir fear of humans). However, if people do not do their part to remove the attractions (food, garbage, outdoor pets, etc.), then they will simply resurface in a short period of time.
  • There is no government agency that provides a free service for removing problem coyotes – the owners and neighbors must request the removal service and pay for it themselves.
  • Excellent animals to discourage coyotes are donkeys, llamas and mules
  • Both the WDFW and USDA representatives stated that it is critical for people to educate themselves about coyotes.  They both recommend the WDFW’s website “Living with Wildlife” http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/  This is an excellent resource for understanding other wildlife we have on Fox Island, such as deer, raccoons, and the occasional bear.
  • FICRA will continue to provide resource information about coyotes on our website www.FICRA.org
Because of the growth of the coyote population in certain areas of Fox Island, some concerned residents have started a coyote control fund to hire USDA personnel to kill any aggressive coyotes. Coyotes cannot be relocated to other areas, so animals that the USDA deems aggressive will be killed. Anyone interested in contributing can get information at www.foxislandwa.net.  FICRA encourages Fox Island residents to follow the Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendations in order to keep from attracting wildlife to their homes and property, and in keeping small pets and children safe.  While FICRA is not a sponsor of the coyote control fund, we do support and encourage information sharing on items of common interest to Fox Island residents. 

Fox Island Bridge Sign Info

Please click below for information regarding the Fox Island Bridge sign and policies.  If you would like to have a sign on the bridge, please contact Karen Craven at 549-4576.

Click HERE for information about posting on the Fox Island Bridge Sign

Emergency Preparedness

FICRA held an Emergency Preparedness meeting at the Nichols Community Center. A panel of experts spoke to Fox Islanders about how we can prepare for an emergency situation on Fox Island. In the event of a disaster, we want to work together with the fire department and first responders and to collaborate with others in our community. We will continue to update this space with information about what to do in case of an emergency on the Island.

Please print this information on how to create your own 72-hour Emergency Comfort Kit:  Emergency Kit Directions

Peninsula Emergency Preparedness Committee:

Pierce County faces a variety of potential hazards and disasters. Everything from volcanic eruptions to toxic materials spills to winter storms to earthquakes. Preparedness is not an event - it is a mind-set and a process.

Address: P. O. Box 1217
Gig Harbor, WA 98335-3217
E-Mail: prepare@pep-c.org
Website: http://www.pep-c.org