About That Coyote in East Whiteland...

In a New Year's Day , I listed a few stories that I had intended to write in 2011 but never got around to. Reader requested more information about one of them—the coyote found in East Whiteland.

Here is some quick background:

• East Whiteland Police shot and killed a coyote in December.
• According to township manager Terry Woodman, "The PD had received calls of sightings from several township neighborhoods and this coyote was distinctive because it suffered from a severe case of mange."
• On Dec. 28, Sgt. Louis Marcelli confirmed the animal had been put down and said there had been no subsequent coyote sightings in the area. (Sgt. Marcelli was not directly involved; I just happened to see him at the district courthouse.)
• The Malvern Hunt Homeowners Association has plenty of information on this coyote, and how people can deter coyotes generally. (Consider yourself bookmarked, Malvern Hunt HoA.)

According to a Chester County Parks newsletter (attached), coyotes can adapt and thrive in suburban environments. They're monogamous, but their reputation as wily tricksters is well-deserved:

When birds hover, the coyote knows to head in that direction for a free meal. The fast and fit coyote takes the food quickly and then runs nearly 40 miles an hour.