Urgent Coyote Warning for Illinois Pet Owners

Seeing coyotes is a common occurrence in Illinois, but if it seems like you're been seeing them more frequently, there's an important reason why.

Coyotes in Illinois

The neighborhood I live in is surrounded by farmland, so we see wildlife like deer, rabbits, and coyotes often outside our windows. But, I’ve seen more coyotes in the last few weeks than I have all year, and there's a good reason why: it's officially coyote mating season in Illinois.

Illinois' coyote mating season typically begins in mid-January and peaks in late February or early March according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and seeing more coyotes isn't the only thing we need to be worried about right now.

Important Coyote Warning for Pet Owners

Normally I enjoy hearing coyotes howling in the distance or seeing them run through the cornfields across from our house, but I do not enjoy seeing warnings like this as pet owner:

If you own pets and aren't sweating bullets after reading that because your dogs are large or your yard is fenced, please keep these two important things in mind:

1. Coyotes might prefer going after small dogs or cats, but that doesn't mean they won't consider taking on a dog near the same size.
2. Coyotes can jump and climb fences, especially chain link ones.

To keep your pets safe during coyote mating season in Illinois, don't let them roam free in your yard unless you are standing out there watching them, do not leave pet food lying around that may attract coyotes, and make sure all your garbage cans are covered and secure.