Coyotes are more active this time of year. Here’s how to keep your pets safe
A recent coyote attack on a dog in Arlington Heights prompted police there to issue a warning, as wildlife experts note that the animals could be particularly active in the coming month.
Rob Erickson, the wildlife research trapping and population management coordinator at Scientific Wildlife Management, said coyotes are a concern in the suburbs between Jan. 15 and Feb. 15.
“They've migrated to the urban areas because it's easier living, it's easier for them to survive,” Erickson said. “There’s a larger food source, no negative stimuli as far as pressure, no hunting or trapping pressure, so they don't have any natural enemies other than cars.”
Arlington Heights police Cmdr. Peter Milutinovic said coyotes’ natural breeding season occurs over the next four to six weeks, when males can become more aggressive, causing potential threats to humans and pets.
The police department recommends residents keep unattended dogs and cats indoors or in enclosed areas if they have to be outside, especially at night. It also encourages pet owners to keep their dogs on short leashes while walking outside, preferably six feet or less.
Residents should not to feed the coyotes or leave food for wild animals, because that increases the likelihood of encounters that can be dangerous for humans and pets, as well as harm the wild animal, police said, adding that a backyard fence is not enough to keep a coyote out.
Those concerned for their own safety can turn on exterior lights to check their yards for wildlife before leaving the house and carry noisemakers, such as whistles or horns, to scare away coyotes, police said.
If you encounter a coyote, police say, make noise by yelling, clapping hands or using one of the noisemakers, and make yourself appear larger.
The police department partners with Scientific Wildlife Management, which specializes in coyote response. Village animal control officers also will respond when necessary.
Erickson noted that foxes also may be active in the suburbs now. While they may seem frightening, foxes are usually no threat unless they carry disease, he said. In fact, he added, foxes reduce the prevalence of West Nile virus because they kill and eat mice, which can carry the disease.
Joann Pentrancosta, a Mount Prospect resident, has had firsthand experiencing with foxes in recent weeks. She said her family noticed two foxes running through their back yard on Christmas Day. They returned New Year’s Eve and have visited her backyard nearly every day since.
“I don't mind them now, but I also don't want them to get comfortable here because we have kids and we like to be in our back yard in the spring,” Pentrancosta said.
She said she and her husband try to make noise by opening the back patio door to scare them off. They have witnessed the foxes jumping over their six-foot fence, which she said makes her worry a coyote could do the same.