West Seattle Junction business owner Geoff Abdian of Suite Arrangements Furniture Consignment reports a significant sighting he made of a "menacing" pack of coyotes he saw in the Admiral District.

"Driving home Friday evening around 10:30 p.m., at 45th and Hill, I came across a full pack of coyotes (four or five in all) running those residential side streets of North Admiral.

Most know there are coyotes in West Seattle, but I've yet to hear report of a whole pack. It was a little disconcerting, as I'm not sure how pack behavior of such predators differs from individual behavior. If, for example, they'd take down a deer together -- and I believe they would -- then why wouldn't they also try to take down, say, a young teen -- or anyone else, for that matter, but especially someone young enough to lack the physical ability or mental acuity to try to defend themselves?

I chased them (in my vehicle) back across Sunset, at 48th, but they were exceptionally fast and appeared menacing, as if actively on the hunt. Night-time walkers, dog walkers and all outdoor-pet owners might be wise to stay alert and be cautious, especially after dark."

According to a 2009 story from the Christian Science Monitor while coyote populations are growing, attacks are rare but do happen. The article also notes that coyotes live in such densely populated areas as New York City and while they can and do kill pets it's also true that they eat feral cats, and rodents.