Creatures Around the Lake - Mammals of Haller Lake Neighborhood

 

Mammals of Haller Lake
Neighborhood

 

Haller Lake neighborhood is home to a variety of mammals. Four of my favorites are coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, and bunnies. All of these species can be troublemakers, from a human perspective, but I enjoy seeing all of them. 

 

Their behavior is what engages me the most. 

 

Eastern gray squirrels and Eastern cottontail rabbits were introduced to the Seattle area in the early 1900s. That matters little to the wily coyotes, native to the west but greatly expanding their former range in sagebrush lands, brushy mountains, and open prairies to populate much of North America and into Central America! 

 

 

Coyotes prey upon the squirrels and cottontails, helping to keep their populations in check. You might even see coyotes eating fallen apples in your yard, as fruit is also in their diet. 

 

 

 

Raccoons are native to North America and Central America and prefer habitats with trees and water sources. You may see raccoons in your birdbath or pond. Raccoons are omnivores, eating just about anything! 

 

 

 

 

 

We live in an area rich with urban wildlife so enjoy it. To avoid conflict with these species, don’t feed them, keep pet food inside, use squirrel-proof bird feeders, and perhaps put fencing around some gardens to keep out cottontails (we have not had to do this, however). For more information on mammals of Washington State, see:

1) https://www.burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/biology/mammalogy/mamwash/index.php

2) https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/species-facts#mammals

 

Carolyn Crockett, Haller Lake Community Club Parks Committee; photos and captions by Bob Brooks