Cook County Shares "Urban" Coyote Information & Advice
2/22/2010
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies control has researched coyotes in urban areas and is providing advice to the public regarding co-existing safely with them. Since February is the month when most coyotes mate and the County is anticipating more coyote sightings it felt this would be a good time to offer information and advice to the public with the goal of limiting trouble and conflicts.
More detailed information about coyotes and their research can be found on Cook County's website at www.urbancoyoteresearch.com, but for the basics Cook County has five major steps to avoiding conflict with coyotes.
1. Do not feed the coyotes.
Intentional feeding, such as bait stations in yards or parks, should be avoided. However, many people unintentionally feed coyotes by leaving pet food or garbage out at night or having large bird feeders. Coyotes are usually not interested in bird food, but bird feeders often attract rodents, especially squirrels, which then attract coyotes. Although coyotes seem to have a natural inclination to avoid human-related food, this can change when prey populations are low, or if the coyotes are young and haven’t yet learned to hunt effectively. Also keep garbage can lids closed to avoid attracting rodents which are the coyotes main source of food.
2. Do not let pets run loose.
If coyotes live nearby, do not let pets run loose, especially domestic cats. When out in public keep dogs on leashes. The presence of humans is a major deterrent to coyotes.
3. Do not run from a coyote.
When you encounter a coyote, shout, wave your hands, stomp your feet, or throw something in their direction.
4. Repellents or fencing may help.
Some repellents may work in keeping coyotes out of small areas such as yards, although these have not been tested thoroughly for coyotes. Repellents may involve remotely activated lights or sound-making devices. Fencing may keep coyotes out of a yard, particularly if it is more than 4 feet in height with a roll bar across the top.
5. Report aggressive, fearless coyotes immediately.
While coyote sightings generally do not always need to be reported to authorities, it is important when a coyote fails to exhibit fear of humans or acts aggressively by barking or growling in the yard or playground that the animal must be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate officials — usually an animal control officer or police officer.