There's no need for concern bout coyotes attacking people, or plummeting off cliffs, despite several sightings of the wild animal near St. Charles' Richmond Elementary School, where the school mascot is the roadrunner.

Both St. Charles police and the Kane County Sheriff's Department denied any reports in recent weeks of coyotes attacking humans or domestic animals. The sheriff's office does have one report of a coyote spotted on Nov. 3 dragging a deer across a lawn near Oak Run Court and Ridgewood Drive.

St. Charles Unit District 303 has authorized professional traps on its property in an attempt to catch the coyote spotted near Richmond, but the wily animal has eluded everyone so far.

School officials, St. Charles Police and the Kane County Sheriff's office all said coyote sightings are not uncommon, and there's no reason to take precautions beyond those taken for any other wild animal.

"What experts have told us is that coyotes do not seek human encounters," said District 303 Spokesman Jim Blaney.

The traps on school property do not pose any danger to students, Blaney added.

People who are not experts should not attempt to trap or kill the coyote themselves, police said. Discharging a firearm is illegal within the city limits of St. Charles.