As the weather warms and the skies clear, people emerge from their cozy dwellings to explore the Pennsylvania summer time. Between camping, summer camps, and hiking, the vast outdoors will become a second home for many.  But, it’s only responsible for prospective explorers to remain informed about the potential dangers of nature.

Pennsylvania is, for the most part, a temperate and docile state when it comes to wildlife.  Venomous animals are a scarcity, apex predators are few and far between, and fatal encounters with humans are enormously rare.  Nonetheless, pride and ignorance on human behalf is often the leading cause of animal-related injuries.  So, all who plan on enjoying the wild this summer should be made fully aware of animals to be wary of.

The following animals to exercise caution around very rarely take an interest in humans.  Like most creatures, they fear people more than people fear them.  However, they are still predatory wild animals with potentially aggressive motives, so remaining informed is of utmost importance.

Coyotes are among the most commonly spotted apex predators in Pennsylvania. They are mid-sized canids closely related to wolves, foxes, and domesticated dogs.  

Their ecological niche in Pennsylvania mainly revolves around hunting small mammalian prey, such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, opossums, and foxes.   Coyotes are skilled hunters and professional exterminators, yet they often prefer scavenging to actively pursuing prey.  Sometimes, coyotes, like wolves, will occasionally form packs with others, but they excel at hunting alone as well.  Surprisingly, they are also omnivorous.

Coyotes are often first identified by their haunting howls, blood-curdling screams, and uncharacteristically high pitched yips.  Such noises give the coyotes a fear factor only further solidified by their intimidating wolf-like appearance.  It’s no surprise why such creatures are so often feared.

However, despite their fearsome features, coyotes aren’t an overly aggressive species.  They can be standoffish and highly protective of their young, but the majority of encounters are with wandering individuals in search of food.

If a coyote encounter should occur at any point this summer, people are advised to wave their arms, create commanding noises, and stand their ground. Running away is not ideal.  Coyotes very rarely pick human targets, more often going for pets.  However, intimidation is often the best repellent for coyotes.

Often causing a media stir after every sighting, the American black bear is a feared and infamous predator of Pennsylvania.  The most widely distributed bear in North America, it’s also the smallest. Omnivorous grazers, black bears will eat just about anything from trash and leftover food to berries and animals.  

Black bear aggression is measured more by proximity than anything else.  Usually docile, the bears only seem to display aggressive behaviors when in defensive situations.  The closer you are to the bear, the more likely it is to show signs of combativeness.

In the rare case of a black bear confrontation, the best course of action is usually to fight.  Appearing large, making loud noises, and acting intimidating will most likely cause the bear to back off.  If the bear shows little aggression in the situation, backing away while maintaining eye contact should signal to the bear that a fight is not needed. 

Ultimately, bears are solitary species who prioritize scavenging scraps and the safety of their young over winning a duel.  They’re potentially dangerous animals who pose a threat to pets and uneducated humans, yet they avoid confrontation and rarely remain in the public eye for long.

It should be noted that while black bears are the only native bear to Pennsylvania, different precautions are needed for each species.  As the old adage goes “If the bear is black, fight back.  If it’s brown, lay down.  If it’s white, say goodnight.”

Ultimately, only coyotes and black bears pose danger to humans.  Venomous snakes and spiders in PA are not only mild in their venom, but also skittish and non confrontational.  Other large mammals such as bobcats pose practically no threat to humans. Snapping turtles, a loathed beast of the depths, pack a powerful bite, but have never once killed a man. 

While many of these creatures appear vicious and hostile, they ultimately want no trouble with humanity.  Coyotes and black bears, despite frequently starting a local panic, are among the most docile predators one can encounter.  While caution must be exercised, these beasts ultimately want to enjoy the Pennsylvania summer just as the rest of us.