 |
|
|
|
|
.gif)
Coyote Sightings
A number of coyotes have been sighted in the area. Use caution and do
not leave small children or small pets unattended outside. Warn
children not to approach or pet a coyote that they may mistake as a small
dog. When walking your pet, always use a leash. Do not feed
your pet or other wildlife outdoors. Please review the information below from the University of
Illinois and click on the links below for more information.
Damage Prevention and Control Measures
Despite common misconceptions about coyotes, they are not likely to
cause problems. However, individuals do sometimes kill or injure
domestic pets, young livestock, or poultry. These incidents can
typically be prevented by removing resources that attract coyotes and by
using exclusion techniques. Make sure livestock and poultry have access
to secure shelter and properly fenced areas.Some coyotes become
accustomed to human activity and may approach close to buildings,
people, or pets. Cats and small dogs should be observed closely and
placed in fenced areas (yards, kennels) when coyotes are known to be
present.
Recommendations for Living with Coyotes
Recommendations for Dealing with Coyotes Fact Sheet
Alert residents of the neighborhood and the local municipality
(e.g., police, public safety officer) as soon as a problem develops with
a coyote.
Target the responsible coyote(s) when a pattern of "undesirable”
behavior develops. Usually it will be easier to change human and
domestic animal use of an area than to capture a coyote.
Do not feed coyotes.
Property owners should limit the availability of unintentional food
sources such as bird food, pet food, ripe fruit, and trash.
Comply with local ordinances that require oversight/restraint of
pets. Do not leave small pets unattended when they are outside. Consider
the use of fencing or kennel runs to protect small pets.
Recognize that coyotes are a permanent fixture in Illinois’ rural,
suburban and urban areas. Seeing a coyote(s) cross a field, backyard,
golf course, road, etc. does not necessarily constitute a problem or a
dangerous situation for humans or domestic animals.
Recognize that coyote population reduction (removing some or all of
the coyotes in an area) is usually unrealistic and always temporary.
Removal of coyotes also requires time, effort and funding.
If removal of a coyote is deemed necessary, hire a person with
coyote removal experience who is licensed by the IDNR. Coyote removals
approved by the IDNR usually involve the use of cage (live) traps or
padded foot-hold traps.
Safety procedures for dealing with coyotes are different than those
for dealing with a strange dog. If a coyote approaches you, do not run.
Yell, stand up straight and wave your arms (the goal is to make yourself
appear larger), or throw something at the coyote to scare it away.
Habitat Modification
- Keep garbage stored securely. Coyotes may eat garbage, but they
are more attracted to the rodents that feed on garbage.
- Keep bird feeding areas clean of debris. Even well-maintained
feeders can attract rodents. In turn, this may attract coyotes.
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders. In an urban environment coyotes
naturally feed on mice, voles, rabbits, and woodchucks. When natural
prey populations decline, it has been shown that squirrels that visit
bird-feeders become easy prey for coyotes.
- Feed pets indoors. If pets are fed outside clean up any leftover
food daily.
- Do not leave small pets like rabbits, cats, or small dogs outside
unattended, especially at night.
Legal Status
In Illinois, coyotes are protected as a furbearer. Coyotes in urban
areas that become problems may be removed if a nuisance wildlife permit
is issued by an Illinois Department of Natural Resources
District Wildlife Biologist.
For more information, follow this link to the University of Illinois:
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/wildlife/directory_show.cfm?species=coyote
|
