Bucks County residents are on the lookout for wild coyotes, writes Greg Vellner for The Reporter.  

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has warned residents to watch their pets and gardens.  Game Commission official Dustin Stoner said that coyotes can be seen wandering during the daytime and evening looking for prey.  

However, there are ways residents can prevent coyotes from preying on their pets and be on the lookout for the predators. 

The Game Commission advises residents to be cautious of continuous howling, dog like-whines or barks mostly in the night, although these noises can be made during the day.  

Other signs include feces that are full of hair and bones from their food. Often these are left behind to establish their territory, which could signal that there are other coyotes on their way.  

Another way to spot the presence of a coyote is their tracks. Coyotes often travel in a straight line and have claws on their front paws.  

If carcasses of rats and rabbits are left behind that means a hungry coyote is near, especially if it becomes a common occurrence.  

The Game Commission advises residents to keep their yards and trash secure, pets inside or supervised and should not leave any food outside. 

Read more about the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s advisory against coyotes in the The Reporter.  

How to keep animals safe from coyotes