Coyote Sightings Continue in Delaware, Montgomery Counties as Police Stress Caution
Police in Delaware and Montgomery counties continue to warn residents to be watchful for coyotes. Officials in Upper Merion Township told FOX 29 News there have been “scattered reports” of coyote sightings all around the township over the last several months.
“While coyote sightings are not uncommon in our area, it is essential to exercise caution and take the necessary precautions to ensure public safety,” officials stated in a social media post. “Coyotes are wild animals and can behave unpredictably if they feel threatened or if they perceive humans as a threat to their young.”
According to Pennsylvania Game Commission Warden Sgt. Matthew Johnson, the eastern coyote is now in every county in Pennsylvania and has been growing in numbers over the last two decades.
Reports of coyote trappings have occurred in Haverford Township in the area surrounding the Merion West golf course. In April 2024, a coyote captured a tiny terrier from a backyard in Marple.
Pennsylvania Game Commission officials note that coyotes are increasingly adapting to living in various habitats. Sightings of coyotes in residential areas that border heavily forested areas are getting more common.
The Game Commission offers the following tips to keep people and pets safe:
- Never leave small pets and children unattended outdoors. Always walk dogs on a leash.
- Place garbage in a tightly closed container that animals can’t knock over to raid.
- Install motion-activated lights around your home.
- Do not leave pet food in bowls outdoors.
- Remove bird feeders at the end of the day to avoid attracting rodents and other animals that coyotes may prey on to your property.
- Bring pets indoors at night.
- Never feed or attempt to tame a coyote.
- If a coyote tries to follow you, make noises or throw objects in the animal’s direction.