Coyote Warning
Every year, the Upper St. Clair Police Department receives calls about coyote sightings within the Township of Upper St. Clair. Our surrounding communities also receive the same type of reports.
Coyotes are not new to the area and have existed in our neighborhoods for some time. Here are some coyote safety tips to help educate you about these animals, as well as provide some dos and don't when encountering a coyote:
- Fear of humans is important for coyote survival.
- Don't feed other animals that coyotes prey upon. Birdseed often attracts these innocent animals to your backyard, which in turn attracts a coyote that is hungry.
- Although attacks on humans are extremely rare, parents need to speak to their children about what to do if they encounter a coyote.
- Coyotes are usually skittish around humans and typically try to avoid people whenever possible.
- Frighten coyotes with loud noises; DO NOT approach the animal.
- Keep garbage in a tightly sealed container.
- In your yard, remove pet food, fallen fruit, and spilled seed beneath bird feeders.
- Use yard lights or motion detectors to frighten them away.
- Keep pets in fenced areas or covered kennels.
- Stay with your pets while outdoors, unless pets are in a secure, covered kennel.
- Do not allow pets to run loose. Keep pets on a leash.