Reed Canyon Blog

Coyotes are generally shy, wary of humans, and non-aggressive. They are part of the natural landscape and are prevalent in wooded areas throughout the Portland area. The Audubon Society of Portland and Multnomah County do not recommend removal, but encourage education on how to coexist with urban wild life. In cooperation, the college does not plan to remove them. However, be aware that coyotes will prey upon free-roaming cats and unleashed small dogs.

Ways to reduce human-coyote conflict in urban areas:

• If you see a coyote, shout and make noise, wave your arms.
• Never deliberately feed a coyote or other wild mammal.
• Never deliberately approach a coyote and teach children to respect all wildlife from a distance.
• Keep house pets indoors and allow only controlled access to the outdoors (fenced yards and leashes).
• Always keep pets in at night when coyotes are most active. (While coyotes are most active between dusk and dawn, they can be seen at any time of the day.)
• Cats and dogs need to be on a leash or indoors at all times in Multnomah County, and in the canyon.

Thanks to all of those that participated this last October celebrating Reed College's oldest tradition Canyon Day. There was food, music, and fun all day long as we tackled the eastern end of the canyon removing non-native vegetation, which then opened this section of canyon up for the reintroduction of native plant species.

Volunteers planted over 1200 native plants on this beautiful day!!

Thanks again to all of you who were involved; see you again April 10, 2010!

I ran into Reed biology professor Steve Black on the canyon's blue bridge on a sunny fall day. Steve was out collecting spiders for his research while on sabbatical this year. Nice to be able to do research 5 minutes away from the lab!