Cheltenham police warn of 'aggressive' coyote spotted in Wyncote

CHELTENHAM, Pa. - Police in Cheltenham Township have issued an alert about an aggressive coyote seen roaming the Wyncote neighborhood, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page. 

Officers say they used drones and searched the area but were unable to locate the animal as of Monday.

Reports of coyote activity across several Wyncote locations

What we know:

Police say sightings have occurred on Curtis Park, Hopeland Road, Washington Lane and Rock Creek Drive. The camera on top of our Fox29 news vehicle recorded the coyote walking by and chasing two deer on Hopeland Road as reporters were searching for it in Wyncote. The deer got away and the coyote lingered before leaving the area.

The Cheltenham Township Police say multiple reports have described the coyote as aggressive. Neighbors say coyotes are uncommon in this part of Montgomery County. "You don't typically hear of a coyote in this area," said Brian Brown, who lives a few minutes from where the animal was spotted.

Residents share their experiences and concerns

What they're saying:

Brown says he has seen a coyote in the general area before. "On Ogontz probably about four miles from here. I seen one one morning driving to work. I thought it was a fox... they're kind of similar to fox but it was a little too big that's how I knew it was a coyote," said Brown.

Rick Lerner said his friend called and warned him before he walked his dog in Curtis Park, one of the locations where police say the coyote was seen earlier. "To give me fair warning that there's liable to be a wolf around," said Lerner. He believes his own dog is not in danger but worries about smaller pets: "They're not going to come after a dog like this. They know better, I think." Lerner added, "It's gonna put others in danger, a little dog, they'll snatch it up I would think."

What's next:

Police say the Pennsylvania Game Commission is sending officers to survey the area. Residents are being asked to call authorities and to keep small pets indoors if they spot the coyote, according to police.

By the numbers:

Multiple coyote sightings have been reported on Curtis Park, Hopeland Road, Washington Lane and Rock Creek Drive, according to Cheltenham Township Police.

What we don't know:

It is not clear if the coyote is still in the area or if it poses a threat to people and pets, as police have been unable to locate it despite searching with drones. There is also no information yet on whether the Pennsylvania Game Commission located the animal or what further action might be taken.

Montgomery CountyWild Nature