IL Pet Owners Need to Be On the Lookout for Coyotes This Spring

We all know there are lots of coyotes in Illinois, and pet owners have learned it is important to keep a close eye on our animals when they are outdoors. I hate to add more worry to your life, but I came across a new release from officials in Cook County that I think everyone in the Stateline needs to be aware of as well:

More than 1,500 coyotes reside throughout Cook County and springtime means it is their mating season. Cook County’s Animal and Rabies Control reminds pet owners to be vigilant during coyote mating and whelping season.

Coyotes are very protective of their pups and also require extra calories during this time. Your pet could be a threat – or a meal.

 

Coyotes usually give birth around mid-April and their pups don’t leave the den until late May. During this time, coyotes will display more territorial behavior and be very protective of denning areas.

I have a friend whose dog was attacked by a coyote in their backyard in Belvidere last year. It was not pretty, and it was very scary. Attacks can happen in the blink of an eye, so we need to be prepared.

Besides keeping a close eye on our pets when they are outside and being aware of our surroundings when taking them on a walk, there's a few more things we can do to prevent coyote attacks from dogtales.ca:

• Keep Your Yard Clean- The scent of your dog's poop can attract coyotes, and overgrown shrubs and fallen branches make great habitats for coyotes. Don't give them a reason to take up residence in your yard!
• Do Not Feed Wildlife or Leave Food For Pets in Your Yard - Coyotes will view your yard as a food source and will continue to return for daily meals.
• Build a Fence - Yes, coyotes can climb, but they will have a hard time climbing over a fence that is 8 or more feet high. You will also want to make sure the fence goes a least 12 inches deep underground as well so the coyotes cannot dig under it.

If you do encounter a coyote, stay calm and DO NOT run away. Instead make a lot of noise, jump around, yell and make yourself look as "big" and intimidating as possible.

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