A Marple woman witnessed a coyote snatch her daughter’s dog and run off with it.
According to a Marple police incident report, a woman in the 200 block of Woodside Lane was watching her daughter’s small terrier about 1:15 p.m. Thursday when the attack happened.
The woman let the terrier out in the backyard, at which point a large coyote grabbed the dog and ran off with it in its jaws, the police report said.
Animal control was notified and have set traps.
There have also been reports of coyotes being trapped in Haverford Township in the area of Merion West golf course.
As a result of Thursday’s incident, Marple officials released an alert confirming coyote sightings in the area and offering tips from the Pennsylvania Game Commission for residenta to protect themselves and their pets.
Officials said coyotes have adapted to a wide variety of habitats in Pennsylvania and can be found in the heavily forested areas and sightings of them in adjacent residential areas are becoming more common.
Typically, they are more active in the spring when caring for their young and in search of food and water.
Officials say small pets and children should never be left unattended, and dogs should always be walked on a leash.
The tips:
• Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If that fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
• Bring pets in at night.
• Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.
