Why you're seeing more coyotes this time of year

Young coyotes leave their parents in search of mates and territories to call their own between now and February, which means residents might see more of them, according to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

"Young coyotes are looking for a place to call home, yet most areas are already occupied. This forces them to move around in search of unclaimed territories," district Ecologist Dan Thompson said. "As a result, sightings tend to increase at this time of year."

People also may see coyotes more frequently in winter because there's less vegetation, giving them fewer places to hide; snow on the ground makes it easier to spot animals; and there's less food resources so they have to spend more time foraging. A rise in sightings doesn't necessarily mean a rise in the county's coyote population, though.

But this seasonal increase in activity is reason for people with pets to be especially vigilant.

"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 their territory.

"Dogs that bark at other dogs seem to elicit this kind of response the most. Owners of dogs that behave this way need to understand their dogs are challenging coyotes or other dogs to a fight. This will put their dogs at a higher risk of a confrontation, especially smaller breeds."

"Even if you don't see coyotes in your neighborhood, they are still present," Thompson said. "Please do not let your dog out unattended; stay with your dog and keep it on a controlled leash. By following these tips and suggestions, we can peacefully coexist."

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

People should never feed coyotes, either, as its leads them to expect food from humans rather than fear them.

"Coyotes learn and adapt quickly to changes in their environment," said Stephanie Touzalin, a naturalist at district's Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. "They've found urban areas offer adequate shelter and more food than rural farmlands ever did. So they're very common in our area."

Coyotes are an important component of the ecological community and play a vital role in keeping populations of small animals and rodents in check in the DuPage ecosystem.

Visit dupageforest.org for more information on coyotes and living with coyotes, and keeping pets safe from coyotes.