There was a time not so long ago when coyotes were a rare sight in Pennsylvania, but that’s not the case anymore.Since the 1960s, coyotes have spread rapidly and have been documented in every county in Pennsylvania.The coyotes that live in Pennsylvania differ from those out West. Technically they are known as eastern coyotes and are actually slightly larger than their cousins. Part of the size difference may have to do with a closer connection to wolves. Genetic testing has revealed that many eastern coyotes contain a type of DNA found in eastern Canadian wolves. Do coyotes prey on dogs?A hungry, full-grown eastern coyote can pose a danger to some dogs, especially smaller ones. However, it’s unlikely that a coyote would try to attack a pet when the owner is nearby. Eastern coyote factsThe following information is from the Pennsylvania Game Commission: "The eastern coyote is much larger than its western counterpart. Adult males in Pennsylvania weigh 45 to 55 pounds. Females are smaller, weighing 35 to 40 pounds. Total body lengths of eastern coyotes range from 48 to 60 inches. Their pelage colors range from light blond to reddish blond to gray, and from dark brown washed with black to black. Generally, coyotes are gray to a German shepherd coloration. Their legs are gray, tan and reddish, often with black markings or lines down the front of the front legs. The cheeks and behind the ears are reddish or chestnut colored. Blond, reddish and black coyotes might not have any noticeable black stripes on their front legs. A coyote's ears are erect and its bottle-brush tail usually is held in a downward position. Normally, its eyes are yellow, but some with brown eyes have been found.Coyotes are monogamous; they maintain pair bonds for several years. The social unit centers around the mated pair and its offspring. However, the delayed dispersal of some offspring might result in extended family relationships beyond a year. A social group occupying a territory might include a pair of adults (generally more than a year old), transients (ages 6 to 18 months), pre-dispersing subadults (usually less than a year old) and nonbreeding associates that are more than a year old. Observations indicate other coyotes living in a territory might help provide food to a growing litter.Coyotes are found throughout Pennsylvania, but are most common in the northern half. Mortality from hunting and trapping approaches 60 percent for young coyotes, and only 15 percent for adults.Coyote populations throughout North America have continued to expand, despite man's attempt to control them. If there's one thing we have learned about this intriguing animal, it's that the coyote, not man, controls the coyote's destiny."The eastern coyote has been among us for decades. The fact that so few of us see them is a testament to their elusiveness and adaptability.From the archives: Lebanon County residents spot coyote in neighborhood