Increase In Coyote Sightings Around Park In Lansdale

LANSDALE, PA — There has been an increase in coyote sightings around the Montgomery County suburbs for years, and a particular increase in Wissahickon Park in Lansdale in recent weeks, officials said.

The area around the 17.8 acre park provides all of what coyotes need to thrive in an "edge" habitat, with the shelter of woods and access to food.

Human sloppiness is the primary contributing factor to increased coyote activity in Montgomery County and across Pennsylvania, a state wildlife biologist previously told Patch.

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.

Of course, feeding coyotes directly also can cause huge problems. Lansdale police urged residents to avoid feeding them.

When coyotes are fed they adapt to the new situation and gradually lose their fear of humans, which can lead to dangerous situations. But attacks on humans are extraordinarily rare, as it is simply not in the coyote's nature to be confrontational with humans. By far the greater threat coyotes pose is to pets.

The eastern coyote is native to Pennsylvania and has been here forever. They have greater numbers in wilder areas, but populations have also long ago adapted to thrive in urban and suburban environments, too. 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,” Tom Hardisky, a biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, previously told Patch. “(But) the new development could be a significant factor. It represents new food sources, and coyotes are extremely adaptable.”

Aside from times when they become dependent on humans, coyotes are relatively amicable creatures that are not aggressive to humans.

Authorities offer the following tips:

• Keep track of pets, do not leave them unattended.
• Stay calm and aware
• Remove outdoor bowls and make sure to dispose of waste properly