The concrete jungles of Philadelphia are witnessing a wild uptick in unexpected visitors—coyotes. Residents in the Logan section were on alert after a brazen coyote was spotted and caught on camera at Wakefield Park around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, as confirmed by a local citizen. "I saw something, didn't know if it was a fox, or what. I was like, 'It's a huge fox, if it is a fox,'" Tamaira Tokley told 6abc. The wild canine made a swift exit, but the video evidence kept neighbors on edge.
Not far away, in Delaware County, a more disturbing incident occurred when a woman's dog was snatched by what police believe was an “elusive” coyote. This prompted a successful, yet concerning catch by Animal Control in Marple Township. Officials warned the public of possibly another coyote prowling in the vicinity, advocating vigilance. "Based on previously reported sightings and descriptions, there is good reason to believe that there may be at least one still in the wilds of Marple," the Marple Township Police Department stated, as per information obtained by NBC Philadelphia.
The situation escalated last Thursday following a heartbreaking episode on Woodside Lane in Broomall where a beloved pet named Fred was yanked from the relative safety of a backyard. Threatened residents expressed fears for their furry little ones. "I have two little dogs," one resident divulged in concern to FOX 29, "Two Morkies. One is five pounds. One is eight pounds, so now I’m not gonna put them out on the deck because you are telling me there’s coyotes. I love my dogs."
Amidst the canine conundrum, authorities are urging locals to both be cautious and proactive. Anyone spotting a coyote should immediately alert Animal Control by dialing 9-1-1. The Marple Township Police further advised: "Make a noise. Get it away from your property. It will be skittish. They’ll most likely run. They’ll be as scared of you as you are of them." As urban wildlife encounters become more common, this mix of fear and fascination is a stark reminder of the ever-blurring lines between man's world and the animal kingdom.
