Coyote sightings, animal deaths put Penn Hills residents on alert

Penn Hills residents are being cautious after multiple sightings of coyotes have been reported, including animals possibly being killed.

There haven’t been any attacks on people, but borough officials are asking residents to stay alert.

“All I saw were feathers everywhere,” said Bianca Labrador. “… I think the chickens got eaten.”

Labrador says four of her chickens may have been a meal for coyotes in her back yard several weeks ago.

“There were tracks in the snow that looked like dog tracks … but it very well could have been a coyote,” said the mother of three.

Township officials tell Channel 11 they have had a half-dozen sightings of coyotes in the past few weeks, including on Third Street and Dalecrest Road, where they say someone shot at a coyote.

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The recent uptick in sightings has parents like Labrador on alert.

“I am (concerned) only because I have seen stories of coyotes going after small children and small dogs when they can't find their natural food source,” she said.

Township officials tell Channel 11 there are reports of coyotes killing a dog and a deer, but there are no reports of any attacks on humans. They're urging neighbors to watch out for small pets, and if you see a coyote, make sure to keep a good distance.

“I think that it’s important for everyone to know what dangers are basically lurking in our back yards,” said Labrador said.

Cox Media Group