You may start seeing more coyotes as they become more bold during their late-winter mating season, according to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
“Spotting a coyote isn’t a cause for alarm,” said Forest Preserve District ecologist Dan Thompson. “Consider yourself lucky and enjoy the rare opportunity to observe one from a safe distance. Whether we see them or not, coyotes are always around, and the more we understand they’re just trying to live their lives, the easier it is to coexist safely.”
Pet owners can follow these tips to help minimize encounters:
- Keep dogs leashed, even in fenced yards, and never leave pets unattended.
- Keep cats indoors.
- If you notice a coyote in the same place repeatedly, alter your routine — they’re creatures of habit.
- If you have a small dog, pick it up when encountering a coyote.
- If a coyote comes too close, don’t run. Instead, stand tall, make eye contact, and create loud noise to scare it away.
- Learn more here.