Dog or coyote? DNA test confirms species of animal that escaped from Westmoreland rehab center

One question has been answered about the animal that was undergoing tests to determine if was a coyote or a dog.

DNA testing confirmed it is 100% a coyote, said Morgan Barron, wildlife rehabilitator.

But another question remains: Where is it?

The coyote escaped in late January from Barron’s Mt. Pleasant Township wildlife rehabilitation center, where it was being treated for mange. She and volunteers searched for it and set traps but have had no success.

“Still no sightings, though, thinking he is long gone,” she said Monday.

The four-legged, 37-pound animal was spotted Jan. 17 by a Fairfield woman at her home. Rescuers weren’t sure if it was a dog or coyote, so TJ’s Rescue Hideaway transported it to Barron. She had been caring for it around the clock but limiting human exposure.

She found it had escaped Jan. 27.

A destroyed empty cage and scratches on the walls were left behind.

The coyote apparently chewed on a rubber seal around the window until it was able to push it open and tear through the screen.

Barron said she is not surprised by the results, especially given the escape. She noticed the animal becoming more defensive in the days leading up to its disappearance, but it didn’t become aggressive toward her.

Anyone who comes across the animal should call Youngwood-based Wildlife Works at 724-925-6862. Rescuers encouraged residents to check their trail cameras and keep an eye out near their homes but not try to capture the coyote if they spot it.

Barron had intended to release the animal back into the wild after its mange cleared up. She estimated it to be at least a year old.

Eastern coyotes typically live in forested areas and near farmland, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. They eat a variety of food from deer to plants and smaller mammals to insects. Coyotes are nocturnal animals, rarely seen and would be afraid of humans, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Coyote attacks on humans are rare.