Watch Your Pets, Aggression in Coyotes Will Rise in Illinois Soon

It feels like a week doesn't pass someone in northern Illinois shares a pic or post of a coyote sighting on social media. Something like this video from Allie Johnson of Roscoe.

Dog spotting off Ventura Blvd in Machesney park, anyone missing some furry friends? In all seriousness, I know this is a coyote. Watch your pets.

So, yes, these coyote sightings happen in residential areas and not just the outskirts/countryside of Rockford. And, you're going to want to keep an even closer eye on your outdoor pets because the mating season is here for coyotes. The peak season for breeding is late February into early March, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Here are some tips for keeping your pets safe and how to detour coyotes from coming onto your property.

Keep your pets close when outdoors. Niteguard.com says to keep them on a leash when out for a walk and even 'guard dogs' at risk when it comes to coyotes. Also, keep your cats indoors. As far suggestions for keep coyotes away, if you've got a composite pile make sure it is always covered, and do not add any meats or bones to, this from Preventive Vet.

Some other recommendations from The Human Society of the United States include yelling at the son's-a-guns. Seriously, they say any loud noise will scare the coyote away. They're not talking about only people with annoying voices, either.

Voice, whistles, air horns, bells, “shaker” cans full of marbles or pennies, pots, lid or pie pans banged together...

Another option is to throw something at them. Basically, mix it up. You can find their full list of suggestions here.

JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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