Living With Wildlife

Multnomah County Animal Services generally does not deal with wildlife nuisances. Here are regional resources to help you manage and resolve issues with wildlife.

Reporting a Sighting or Encounter

There are urban coyotes present in the Portland metro area, so just seeing a coyote is not generally cause for concern. 

• To report a coyote sighting in Portland visit the Portland Urban Coyote Project.
• Please report any aggressive, overly bold, or severely injured coyotes to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (971) 673-6000.

Tips for Reducing Human Coyote Conflicts

• Never feed coyotes and remove potential food sources. 
• Protect pets. Keep pets indoors, on short leashes, and supervised. Supervise small children when outdoors in areas where coyote sightings are common. 
• Scare off bold coyotes. Make loud noise until the coyote leaves the area. You can clap, blow a whistle, throw small objects like sticks and pebbles, or carry pepper spray.
• Share this message. This only works when the whole community works together to keep people, pets, and coyotes safe. Pass it on!

More information on avoiding conflict with coyotes is available via:

• Portland Urban Coyote Project
• Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Bird Alliance of Oregon

Rodents

For issues with rodents, see Multnomah County Vector Control's rat information page.

Other Wildlife

Bird Alliance of Oregon offers tips for managing encounters with wildlife, including:

• Wild Birds & Windows
• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Woodpeckers
• Urban Crows
• Urban Mallards (Ducks)
• Vaux's Swifts

For additional questions regarding wildlife, you may contact the Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) at one of the following offices:

• (971) 673-6000 Clackamas ODFW office (use if east of Willamette River)
• (503) 621-3488 Sauvie Island ODFW office (use if west of Willamette River)