Coyote Sightings On The Rise In Suburban Philadelphia

By Justin Heinze:

Human sloppiness is the primary contributing factor to increased coyote activity across Pennsylvania, according to a state wildlife biologist.

“Coyotes are on the rise in urban and suburban areas,” said Tom Hardisky, a wildlife biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “And a lot of it is our fault.”

Hardisky said two main human habits contribute to an increase in coyote sightings and coyote-human interaction: garbage left outside and unsecured, and pet food left on the porch and available for anything that comes along in the night.

Whitpain officials stressed on Wednesday that the notice they issued about increased coyote sightings was not intended to alarm residents about a danger, but merely to keep them informed.

“They (coyotes) have been in the area forever,” Whitpain Sgt. Cathy Penecale told the Times Herald.

Hardisky seconded law enforcement’s stance, and said that there have been no attacks in Pennsylvania thus far.

“There have been anecdotal reports,” Hardisky said. “Nothing confirmed.”

“In every case where a coyote has been a problem, it was in an area where coyotes were fed by humans,” Hardisky added. “That’s the biggest threat.”

When coyotes are fed they adapt to the new situation and gradually lose their fear of humans, which can lead to dangerous situations. But by far the greater threat coyotes pose is to pets.

“Once they get accustomed to humans, they can move on to (eat) pets like cats and dogs,” Hardisky said.

He also said that while it is unlikely there is something other than human trash and pet food that is attracting more coyotes to Whitpain Township, there are a few possibilities.

“The bottom line is they are attracted to something,” he said. “They don’t increase and stay there on their own unless there is something they like.”

New developments and sprawl around Lansdale could contribute to coyote sightings, but not in the way that many residents might imagine.

“New developments that take out forest land are not really an encroachment on coyote habitat,” he said. “(But) the new development could be a significant factor. It represents new food sources, and coyotes are extremely adaptable.”

“Any human waste and sloppiness are really a plus for coyotes.”

The best thing for both the humans and the coyotes is for the coyotes to stick to areas that are not frequented by humans, Hardisky said. And the best way to encourage this is to discourage the animals from coming to populated areas.

“One big thing to do is harassment,” Hardisky said. “When you see a coyote, make a lot of noise. Bang pots and pans together. Yell.”

For their own good, Hardisky said, “every encounter between a human and a coyote should be a negative for the coyote.”

Aside from times when they become dependent on humans, coyotes are relatively amicable creatures that are not aggressive to humans. Hardisky even corrected the police report that stated coyotes are aggressive around their young.

“That’s not true,” he said. “They can easily be scared off.”

If you see a coyote coming toward you, do not back away, as the Whitpain police report suggested. Stand your ground, make yourself appear large, and make a lot of noise.

Coyotes have been known to carry rabies, so coyotes that are acting particularly unusual should be immediately reported.

Responses to the sightings have led to speculation as rabid and unpredictable as the disease. Lack of hunting, too much hunting, too much development, not enough development and coyotes mistaken for foxes have all been reasons given by residents for the increased encounters.

But there is no doubt that coyotes are increasing around Lansdale and across Pennsylvania, and none of those are the main causes.

“The folklore and rumors about this somewhat mysterious furbearer seem to have a life of their own,” the Pennsylvania Game Commission said on their website’s section about coyotes.

Ultimately, Hardisky’s advice for the welfare of humans, wild animals, and pets alike amounted to three little words:

“Keep animals wild,” he said.