PA Game Commission: Coyote Sightings Not Unusual
The Pennsylvania Game Commission said coyotes have adapted well to suburban developments, such as Peters Township.
Photos
The death of a West View family's pet husky, possibly by a wild coyote earlier this week, shouldn't come as a surprise, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
"Coyotes have been spotted in every municipality of Pennsylvania from Erie to Philadelphia," said Jerry Feaser, Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. "There was even one seen within the city of Pittsburgh recently."
Feaser said the coyotes, like other wild animals, use the corridors created by rivers and streams to travel into populated areas.
"They're scavengers," said Feaser. "They feed on food left out in the trash or on the abundant small prey population such as squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs."
Feaser said while coyotes may appear frightening, they are more afraid of us than we are of them.
"Just yell at it, and it will likely run away," he said. "But they will tangle with a dog, especially if it's not on a leash."
Have you ever seen a coyote on your property? Tell us in the comments box below.
Nora
10:44 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
Yes, in Peters Township, close to McMurray Road.
A little more then a year ago, as I was backing down my driveway and onto the lane, there was a coyote trotting up the middle of the lane... probably about 300 feet away.
At the time I thought it to be an odd looking German Sheppard, off leash, but soon realized what it was.
Kiley
12:38 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
We saw a coyote in Peterswood Park several years ago. Initially, we thought it was just another off-leash dog, but soon realized it was a coyote. We skedaddled! We have recently found coyote scat in the woods behind our house.
Deborah Miller-Gurchak
9:09 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Please don't leave your pets outside unattended. For all those who have invisible shock-type of security systems for your dogs ... it doesn't stop unwanted visitors!