Politics & Government

PA Game Commission: Coyote Sightings in Upper St. Clair Not Unusual

The Pennsylvania Game Commission said coyotes have adapted well to suburban developments, such as Upper St. Clair.

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.

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"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.

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"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.

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