It’s that time of year again where the coyotes are starting to roam and have recently been spotted in residents yards. While they generally avoid people, it’s important to take precautions.
Behavior:
- Coyotes frequently travel through backyards to patrol territories, particularly those located closed to wooded areas.
- They typically eat rodents, but are attracted to easy food sources, included pet food, bird seed, and fallen fruit.
- It is not unusual to see them out during the day. Increased sightings in early spring or summer is when they’re foraging for food for their new pups.
- Coyotes are secretive and often live in close proximity without ever being noticed.
- In the spring when pups are born, parents may become highly defensive and territorial and will challenge any other coyote or dog that comes too close to the den or pups.
Coexisting:
- Keep a close eye on your children and pets, particularly cats and small dogs. Do not leave pets unattended outdoors, especially at night.
- Secure garbage cans and store any pet food or bird seed indoors.
- Always walk your pet on a leash (it’s the law!). Fights occur most often when a dog is off leash and chases a coyote.
- If a coyote approaches, make yourself look large, yell, make loud noises, or throw objects to scare them off.
- Do not run! Running can induce predatory behavior.
Contacting Authorities:
Sightings are common and do not generally need to be reported unless the coyote appears sick, severely injured, or displays aggressive behavior. If you feel removal of a coyote is necessary, you can hire a nuisance wildlife control operator licensed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.