The death of a West View family's pet husky dog, possibly as a result of an encounter with a wild coyote earlier this week, shouldn't come as a surprise, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

"Coyotes have been spotted in every municipality of Pennsylvania from Erie to Philadelphia," said Jerry Feaser, spokesman for the commission. "There was even one seen within the city of Pittsburgh recently."

Feaser said coyotes, as do other wild animals, use the corridors created by rivers and streams to travel into populated areas.

"They're scavengers," said Feaser. "They feed on food left out in the trash or on the abundant small prey population such as squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs."

While coyotes may appear frightening, they are more afraid of us than we are of them, Feaser said.

"Just yell at it, and it will likely run away," he said. "But they will tangle with a dog, especially if it's not on a leash."

Have you ever seen a coyote on your property? Tell us in the comments box below.

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