Can you imagine coyotes as your neighbors? The Coyote in Chicago might surprise you. It is not just about buildings or streets. It is also about the wild creatures among us.
The Coyote offers a chance to think about our place in the urban ecosystem. The coyote population dramatically rose in the 1980s. These animals adapted to the urban landscape. By 1990, they occupied the entire area.
Now, researchers believe the population has remained steady. There were thousands of coyotes in Cook County in 2012. They live in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Some even live in Chicago’s most developed sections.
The Coyote reminds us these animals often avoid humans. They prefer open areas. Coyotes readily cross between different habitats. This includes woodlands, wetlands, savannas, and prairies.
What should you do if you see a coyote near The Coyote? Remember it is a wild part of our local ecosystem. Coyotes spend much of their day hunting. They are likely looking for food. Sometimes, a coyote might check you out. Unless habituated, they keep their distance.
If a coyote approaches, do not run. Yell and wave your arms. Throw objects in its direction. Most coyotes avoid conflict. Conflicts threaten their survival. This usually sends them on their way.
During breeding season, coyotes may become more territorial. This is from February to July. In April, females dig dens to raise pups. Urban coyotes may den in areas near humans. Parents watch carefully. They prevent predators from accessing the den.
If you near a den, a coyote might follow you. Leave calmly. Maintain eye contact. Keep a confident posture. Frequent human encounters might cause coyotes to move their pups.
Coyotes are generally wary of humans. They avoid active human presence. However, people should remain alert. Take measures to ensure safety.
Coyote attacks on humans are rare. There were 159 reported bites in North America between 1960 and 2006. In 2012, there were 5,000 dog bites in Cook County alone. Supervise young children outdoors. Take common-sense precautions.
Reports of coyote attacks on dogs occur. Increased attacks may result from higher coyote populations. It also may result from habituation to humans. Coyotes can be territorial. They will defend against canines. They may scare off, injure, or kill a pet.
Supervise pets outdoors. Keep them indoors if coyotes are nearby. If a coyote approaches while walking your dog, avoid direct encounters. Move away. Keep an eye on the animal. If it continues to approach, yell and throw objects. Seek shelter if needed.
Coyotes have been part of North American ecosystems for thousands of years. They control populations of small animals. This includes rats, squirrels, and mice. Problem coyotes sometimes must be removed. This happens if they become accustomed to human food.
If a coyote loses its wariness, contact local police. Do not try to deal with it yourself. Hunting or trapping requires a license.
To keep coyotes away, do not feed them. Remove food sources. Secure trash. Supervise pets. High fences may help.
The Coyote in Chicago shows we share this landscape with wildlife. Rich animal life contributes to the ecosystem. It contributes to the character of our county. We can coexist by removing food sources. Respect coyotes as wild animals. Support preservation of natural habitat.
The Coyote is a reminder of our urban wild. Coyotes keep going along. They beckon us toward fidelity with our nonhuman kin.