Officials issue coyote warning to dog owners

A coyote den with pups was found in the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve near Buffalo Grove, about 120 feet off the loop trail west of Schaeffer Road.

The forest preserve is warning that dog owners should keep their pets on leashes and on the trails.

Adult coyotes perceive dogs as a threat to the pups and will shadow them to scare them away. In one case already reported, a coyote and a preserve visitor's dog had a fight, with the dog receiving a bloody nose.

According to the forest preserve district, the aggressive behavior should stop by the end of June or early July.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Lake County Board member David Stolman at (847) 883-9918, (847) 377-2300 or dstolman@co.lake.il.us.