Coyote snatches small dog from Delco backyard
Police are warning Delaware County residents to be careful with their pets after a heartbroken family was left with a small dog abducted by a coyote from their Marple Township backyard.
Marple Township, Pennsylvania – Marple Township is issuing a warning after a pet dog was snatched by a coyote.
His name is Fred, and the little terrier, almost 9 years old, was cared for by his family last Thursday afternoon in the 200 block of Woodside Lane in Blue Mall.
According to the owner's father, when his wife released Fred into the backyard as usual, a large coyote snatched his beloved pet and ran into the woods.
The news has people, including Blue Mall's Billy DiFabio, concerned.
“I have two small dogs,” DiFabio said. “Two Morkies. One 5 pounds, one 8 pounds. So I won't let them out on deck because they say there's a coyote. I love dogs.”
“We've had about three sightings in the last three days,” Marple Township Police Chief Brandon Graef said.
Coyotes are commonly seen in wooded areas, and sightings are increasing near residential areas.
The latest incident has taken a tragic turn, with police issuing a warning on social media. Chief Greif says, “If you have a small dog, if you don't have a fenced-in backyard, make sure to keep it on a leash and with its owner. ”.
Frank Logan lives a few doors down from the scene of the coyote attack. His garden is deep in the woods and several deer were seen feeding there.
“I think I see it at least once a year,” Logan said. “They say they're everywhere. If you have grandchildren, you'll tell them to stay out of the woods.”
Sweet Fred even had his own Instagram page titled FredFitzstagram.
“It's alarming, but I can't imagine what you would do if you saw a coyote,” DiFabio said.
The police called 911 and Chief Greif said, “Please make noise. Keep them off your property. It will be careless. They will probably run away. Just like you are afraid of them.” And they're probably scared of you too,'' he added.
Wildlife experts say coyotes are more active in the spring when they are caring for their young and searching for food to feed their families.
