Coyote sightings increase in fall and winter

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County reminds DuPage residents that coyote sightings may increase between now and February as young leave their parents in search of mates and territories to call their own.

"Life is challenging for young dispersing coyotes," said Dan Thompson, an ecologist in the district's Office of Natural Resources. "They are looking for a place to call home, yet most areas are already occupied. This forces them to move around quite a bit looking for an unoccupied area. As a result, sightings tend to increase this time of year."

People also may see more coyotes in winter because there's less vegetation, which means fewer places to hide, and more snow, which makes animals easier to spot. A rise in sightings doesn't necessarily mean a rise in the county's coyote population, though.

Some coyotes have become comfortable around humans and may be more brazen and less likely to shy away. If a coyote does appear bold, "Remain confident and wave your arms and make loud, intimidating noises," Thompson said.

For people with pets, there are additional recommendations.

"Follow forest preserve regulations and keep your pets leashed when you're in a preserve," Thompson said. "It's smart to stay with your dog and keep it on a leash in your backyard, too. It's uncommon, but coyotes can target dogs, not necessarily for food but to eliminate animals they think are competing for space. Smaller dogs that bark a lot seem to elicit this kind of response the most."

A hungry coyote is going to be more interested in unsecured garbage cans, pet food, open compost piles, and bird feeders or fallen fruit piled under trees and shrubs, Thompson said. Keeping yards clean can limit these attractants.

"Coyotes are amazingly adaptable and learn quickly," said Stephanie Touzalin, a naturalist with the district's Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. "They've found urban areas offer adequate shelter and more food than rural farmlands ever did. As such, they're very common in our area."

Of course, it also helps to remember that coyotes are an important component of the ecological community.

"It's always important to remember the vital role coyotes play in keeping populations of smaller animals and rodents in check in DuPage County's ecosystems," Forest District President Joe Cantore said.