Washington girl, 4, ‘dragged’ by coyote just inches from door amid string of alarming encounters: report

Fox News - Mar 17th, 2025

A series of coyote encounters in Bellevue, Washington, have raised safety concerns after several attacks on residents, including a 4-year-old girl who was bitten and dragged by a coyote near her home. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has responded by lethally removing two coyotes and increasing patrols in the area. The incidents, which began on March 6, have included attempts to bite children at a bus stop and other aggressive behavior towards residents, resulting in minor injuries.

The string of attacks has highlighted the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures in neighborhoods where coyotes are active. The WDFW has advised locals to keep pets indoors, avoid leaving children unattended, and be vigilant during early morning and late evening hours when coyotes are most active. These incidents underscore the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in urban areas and the importance of effective wildlife management strategies to ensure public safety.

Public Safety Human Wildlife Conflict Coyote Attacks Washington Department Of Fish And Wildlife Bellevue, Washington

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively reports on a series of coyote encounters in Bellevue, Washington, providing timely and accurate information supported by credible sources. It addresses a topic of public interest, highlighting safety concerns and the responses of local authorities. The clarity and readability are strong, though slightly diminished by the inclusion of unrelated content. The article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, particularly expert insights into wildlife management, to enhance its balance and impact. While the story has the potential to engage readers and provoke discussion, its controversial aspects are not fully explored. Overall, the article is a well-rounded piece that informs readers about a pressing community issue, though it leaves room for deeper exploration of the underlying causes and broader implications of urban wildlife encounters.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports a series of coyote encounters and incidents in Bellevue, Washington, with specific details such as the involvement of a 4-year-old girl who was bitten and dragged by a coyote, which aligns with official reports. The article mentions the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's response to these incidents, including the lethal removal of two coyotes, which is consistent with available sources. However, some claims, like the belief that the same coyotes were involved in all incidents, require further verification. The story's factual basis is strong, but it relies on the assumption of a single group of coyotes being responsible, which is not conclusively verified.

Balance

The article presents a primarily factual recount of events related to coyote encounters, focusing on the immediate responses and preventive measures. It provides perspectives from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and local residents, which helps in offering a balanced view. However, it lacks input from wildlife experts or conservationists who might provide alternative perspectives on why these incidents are occurring and how they might be prevented in the long term. Including such viewpoints could have enriched the narrative by addressing potential ecological or behavioral reasons for the coyotes' actions.

Clarity

The article is generally clear, with a straightforward presentation of the events and responses related to the coyote incidents. The language is accessible, and the structure allows readers to follow the progression of events easily. However, the inclusion of unrelated content, such as a mention of the oldest llama in the world, slightly detracts from the clarity by introducing irrelevant information. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and presents information logically, aiding comprehension.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as local news reports and statements from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, lending authority to the information presented. The reliance on official statements and local news outlets suggests a high level of source reliability. However, the article could be improved by including a wider range of sources, such as expert opinions from wildlife biologists or ecologists, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Transparency

The article is transparent in disclosing the sources of information, such as local news outlets and official statements from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. However, it could enhance transparency by providing more context about the frequency and nature of coyote encounters in urban areas, as well as the methodologies used by wildlife officials to identify and address problematic coyotes. This additional context would help readers understand the broader implications of the incidents and the strategies employed to manage wildlife in urban settings.