Coyote Sightings In Valley Forge Area Are Not Cause For Concern

There have been several recent reports of coyotes in the Valley Forge area over the last several days. Sightings of coyotes are also common in other wooded parts of the suburbs, including Wissahickon Valley Park, Ridley Creek, and elsewhere.

But according to experts, there's nothing to be concerned about. Coyotes are a natural part of the environment. Despite the alarmed reactions to the sightings by some residents, coyotes are common throughout Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley, and have always thrived in the "borderlands" environment where the suburbs meet forests.

"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."

While woods provide cover and shelter and occasionally food, cities and suburban areas provide more consistent sources of food. Humans leave edible garbage everywhere: overflowing trash cans, dumpsters, at the front curb. And because coyotes are very smart and very fast, they know when they can get away with stealing what they need to survive.

Eastern coyote populations have boomed in urban and suburban areas across the United States over the past century. As development continues to expand, coyote populations nevertheless flourish; like deer, they are uniquely adapted to edge habitats, or the area at the edge of the woods and development.

Coyotes can potentially be dangerous to pets, especially those on the smaller side. However, aside from times when they become dependent on humans, coyotes are relatively amicable creatures that are not aggressive toward people. Hardisky even corrected a past police report that stated coyotes are aggressive around their young.

If you see a coyote coming toward you, do not back away, as some reports may suggest. Wildlife biologists recommend that you 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.

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

"Keep animals wild," he said.

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