A recent uptick in coyote sightings in one Western Pennsylvania area has caught the attention of the state game commission, which says nighttime hunts will soon be conducted. RELATED VIDEO: New Sunday hunting dates set for 2025 season by Pa. Game Commission According to a Facebook post from Churchill Borough Police, residents in the borough have reported multiple sightings of coyotes in or near their backyards. The post said that although the predatory animals are typically scared of humans and avoid them, they pose a significant threat to family pets. They are also listed as a top carrier of the rabies virus.Officials said due to those factors, arrangements have been made with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in cooperation with the property owner of Churchill Crossings (old Westinghouse site) to conduct nighttime hunts of coyotes on the property. The post said the hunts will be conducted after dark by trained game warden officers, who will be using night vision technology and silenced rifles. “There is no threat or danger posed to residents,” the post read. “We are confident that these efforts will be productive and help to eliminate the many threats coyotes pose.”Residents are asked not to make attempts of their own to shoot at a coyote, as it is both prohibited by Pennsylvania gaming laws in residential areas and can pose a significant danger to your neighbors.Officials say you should call 911 if a coyote is spotted and poses an immediate threat.

CHURCHILL, Pa. —

A recent uptick in coyote sightings in one Western Pennsylvania area has caught the attention of the state game commission, which says nighttime hunts will soon be conducted.

RELATED VIDEO: New Sunday hunting dates set for 2025 season by Pa. Game Commission

According to a Facebook post from Churchill Borough Police, residents in the borough have reported multiple sightings of coyotes in or near their backyards.

The post said that although the predatory animals are typically scared of humans and avoid them, they pose a significant threat to family pets. They are also listed as a top carrier of the rabies virus.

Officials said due to those factors, arrangements have been made with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in cooperation with the property owner of Churchill Crossings (old Westinghouse site) to conduct nighttime hunts of coyotes on the property.

The post said the hunts will be conducted after dark by trained game warden officers, who will be using night vision technology and silenced rifles.

“There is no threat or danger posed to residents,” the post read. “We are confident that these efforts will be productive and help to eliminate the many threats coyotes pose.”

Residents are asked not to make attempts of their own to shoot at a coyote, as it is both prohibited by Pennsylvania gaming laws in residential areas and can pose a significant danger to your neighbors.

Officials say you should call 911 if a coyote is spotted and poses an immediate threat.