Pittsburg, PA

Is there an increase in coyote sightings? A game warden explains

Published

11 months ago

February 2, 2024

Press Room

Is there an increase in coyote sightings? A game warden explains

GREEN TREE, Pa. (KDKA) — The social media posts keep popping up, and so do the coyotes.

But are more coyotes moving in, or are we just more aware of them?

What’s less than 4 miles away from the city and filled with coyotes? If you guessed Green Tree, you are right.

“We get them howling at night,” Green Tree resident Phil Aley said. “That’s the biggest thing, when there’s a family of them out there.”

Aley has lived on Warriors Road for 35 years, and his backyard looks like prime coyote real estate.

“Lots of deer down here in these woods and lots of other vermin,” Aley said.

Neighbors in Green Tree started posting on social media about coyotes weeks ago, putting them on the radar of residents.

“When they hear about one down the street or in the neighborhood, they’re more apt to look for it,” Game Warden Sgt. Matt Kramer said.

Kramer said that does not mean there is any increase in the coyote population. He also wants to clear up one thing: Coyotes are not more aggressive in mating season. He said they are just hungry.

“Food resources are at their lowest point for any wildlife species, coyotes included, so from February to March it’s a hard life out there in the woods,” he said.

So, coyotes might expand their range to find food. And your neighbors could be doing something that attracts them.

“They leave that food out overnight for these critters and they’re well intended but every raccoon, every possum, every rat and mouse in the neighborhood is going to come to that food source,” Kramer said. “The next predator up the line is the coyote.”

And they will go for any small cat or tiny dog. Kramer said unlike wolves, coyotes do not have a pack mentality. They do have families, and if you think removing them from your neighborhood will make them go away, Kramer said a new family will just move in.

Meghan Schiller

Meghan Schiller is an Emmy-nominated journalist who joined KDKA in October 2017. She’s thrilled to be back in her hometown and reporting at the station she grew up watching.

Source link

Related Topics:Allegheny County Featured

Click to comment

Pittsburg, PA

Justin Fields sends clear message on his future with Pittsburgh Steelers: ‘I want to be here’

Published

11 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Press Room

Justin Fields sends clear message on his future with Pittsburgh Steelers: ‘I want to be here’

Justin Fields has not started since Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it is clear that he wants to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Speaking with Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Fields minced no words when asked about his future with the team.

“I want to be here. I’m kind of tired of learning a new offense every year. This will be my third in four years. Of course, I’d love to be back, but that’s all up to God at the end of the day. I’ll be where God wants me to be,” Fields said to Gorman.

Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record during his six starts with the team. He threw for 1106 yards and five touchdowns to one interception through the air while adding 289 rushing yards and five more touchdowns on the ground.

Fields would not cost nearly as much as Russell Wilson, and if Wilson gets too expensive, it would make sense that Fields could return as the Steelers’ starter. They seem to like him, even if they pivoted to the veteran in Wilson.

Fields might not want to learn another offense, which would make sense, but he also may have to go where the opportunity best presents itself to get back on track as a full-time starter. Is Pittsburgh that spot, or will there be another team knocking at his door that can offer a better opportunity?

That is what Fields will have to weigh in his decision this offseason, but the Steelers do seem like a very possible landing spot for Fields after the season concludes.

BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.

Source link

Pittsburg, PA

Man arrested on numerous weapons charges in Pittsburg

Published

19 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Press Room

Man arrested on numerous weapons charges in Pittsburg

PITTSBURG — A 27-year-old man suspected of illegally making and selling guns, including assault weapons, was arrested, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.

The law enforcement agency said they will be testing the weapons to see if they are linked to any crime or shooting.

The suspect, identified as Diego Vasquez-Gomez, was arrested on Thursday (Jan 2.) when detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence in Pittsburg. This was part of an ongoing investigation into a shooting at the Contra Costa Fairground in Antioch last September.

The shooting stemmed from an argument in which two suspects opened fire, resulting in a man suffering life-threatening injuries.

Detectives said one of the two suspects had used an illegally manufactured gun during the shooting.

During the search at Vasquez-Gomez’s home, authorities found assault weapons and a short-barrel rifle. Some of the weapons seized did not have serial numbers.

“The weapons will be tested to see if they are linked to any shooting or crimes,” said the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in a news release.

Vasquez-Gomez was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including manufacturing a short barrel gun, manufacturing and selling of an assault weapon, illegal possession of an assault weapon, unlicensed transfer of a firearm and child endangerment.

Those with information on the case are urged to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313- 2600, email them at tips@so.cccounty.us, or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Source link