SPOKANE -- A coyote which drew quite a crowd in Downtown Spokane near city hall Tuesday has been put down.
Animal Protection Officer Ken Trambitas says it did not appear the animal had any broken legs but it looked very sick. He says it's not likely local veterinarians would treat a coyote. But he tried to find one anyway with no luck.
"Due to the condition of the dog, we couldn't wait. It was extremely sick so the dog had to be euthanized," said Trambitas.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife say coyotes run abundant in Eastern Washington in both rural and urban areas. However, downtown sightings are rare and if you see one, officials warn you to stay away and the professionals handle it.
"Typically don't see them causing a human safety issue but three years ago in Bellevue, we did have to take out two coyotes. They had been habituated, they had been hand fed, and they bit two little kids," said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife official Madonna Luers.
Spokanimal suspects the coyote found in Downtown Spokane could have easily walked up from the Peaceful Valley area near downtown in search of food.
