Coyote spotted hanging out at Discovery Park

A lone coyote was spotted roaming the south parking lot of Discovery Park this morning.

Sally Cole, a Magnolia resident, said she caught a glimpse of the coyote at the south entrance of the park at about 9:45 a.m.

The sighting made her nervous — about 13 years ago, she lost two cats to what she believes was a hungry coyote in the area.

Cole, who lives next to a heavily wooded lot and has two dogs and two cats, is afraid coyotes will hide out in the area and attack her pets.

"People need to be aware that they're out there," she said.

Urban coyote sightings are commonplace in many areas of Seattle, although it is unusual for them to be seen in Discovery Park, said park naturalist Anne Bentley. Several people reported seeing the coyote over the last few days, Bentley said. It has popped up at the north end of the park and may have run into nearby neighborhoods.

People who catch a glimpse of the coyote shouldn't be worried, since it would be unusual for it to attack, she said.

"If you just see a coyote, just stop and enjoy it," she said.

However, keeping pets indoors should be a priority: One resident reported seeing this coyote on Saturday with a rabbit hanging out of its mouth, Bentley said.

Christina Siderius: csiderius@seattletimes.com