A Coyote. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Why Are Coyotes In Pittsburgh?
According to fossil records and trapping ledgers, coyotes have always been in Pennsylvania to some degree. However, in the late 1960s, coyote populations in the Commonwealth began to increase. By the 1990s, coyotes had colonized every part of the state. Today, it is estimated that there are approximately 100,000 coyotes in Pennsylvania. It was around 2010 when coyote sightings increased in and around Pittsburgh. Coyotes are most certainly in Pittsburgh for food and I don't mean Primanti's! Wild prey like rabbits, squirrels, rodents, turkey, deer, and even snakes are plentiful in our area. Garbage and pet food left outside are also on the menu.
Coyotes have a very diverse diet that includes gray squirrels, which are common in Pittsburgh. Photo Credit: Jamie DeHart
Where Do Coyotes Live In Our Area?
Coyotes live pretty much everywhere in Pittsburgh at this point. If there are woods or a park nearby then assume that coyotes are present
Green spaces in Pittsburgh that may harbor coyotes. Image Credit: http://www.studiobryanhanes.com/greenways
I Hear A Lot About Coyotes, But I Never See Them
Just because you do not see coyotes does not mean that they are not there. Coyotes generally do not want to be seen and will actively avoid people.
A coyote blending into tall grass. Photo Credit: Christine Haines
Potential For Conflict
Coyotes may attack small pets, particularly dogs, for territorial or predatory reasons. Definitely keep your cats in the house. Coyote bites on humans are very rare and are typically associated with coyotes perceiving a threat to their pups.
Small pets such as Kornelius the Handsome can be targets of coyotes. Always keep an eye on your small pets when they are outside. Photo Credit: Jamie DeHart
What You Can Do To Keep Safe
If you see a coyote, maintain eye contact, do not run, make loud noises, and throw rocks if needs be. When outside, keep an eye on children, make sure that your dog is on a leash, and keep your cats indoors. Should you be outside with your children or pet and you see a coyote, stand between them and the coyote.
A coyote stands on alert. Photo Credit: Yathin Kristnappa
I Heard Our Coyotes Were As Big As Wolves
While our coyotes are bigger than western coyotes they are still relatively small animals. Large males weigh 45-50 lbs with females weighing 35-40 lbs.
Eastern coyotes are about the size of a medium sized dog. Photo Credit: Wildlife Illinois
Can't We Get Rid Of Coyotes By Hunting Them?
The short answer is no. Pennsylvania has a year-round open season on coyotes with an unlimited harvest. That has done nothing to reduce coyote numbers. A good rule of thumb is that if a coyote has been removed from an area then it will quickly be replaced by another coyote. Coyotes are here to stay!
A scope trained on a coyote at night. Image Credit: https://www.defendandcarry.com/best-night-vision-scope-for-coyote-hunting