Coyote allowed to roam Chicago

CHICAGO -- An alligator wasn't the only wild critter wandering along the North Branch of the Chicago River this week.

A few hours after a small alligator was pulled from the river, police and area residents surrounded a coyote Monday night near Division Street and the river, but did not trap the animal, which was wearing a collar.

Cherie Travis, the executive director of Chicago animal control, said Wednesday that the animal was probably part of a study being run by the Cook County Rabies and Animal Control office.

Travis said the coyote was probably hunting for rats or rabbits, and noted that coyotes generally aren't a threat to people.