North Aurora Police Warn of Neighborhood Coyote Sightings

North Aurora Police Warn of Neighborhood Coyote Sightings

In addition to reports of a pair of coyote attacks in Chicago in recent weeks, the village of North Aurora last week sent notice to residents of an uptick in coyote sightings.

The North Aurora Police Department sent the note Sunday, Jan. 12, via its Nixle.com alert system.

“It’s a little unusual to see coyotes in neighborhoods during daylight hours, so we wanted to let you know to be extra vigilant with pets outside (especially small ones) for the near future,” the notice said.

“We know many people keep a closer eye on pets at night but maybe not as much during the day.”

“An officer just saw a coyote wandering in the Moose Lake Estates subdivision (last seen near Prairie Ridge Lane), and while we don’t need to be notified when coyotes are seen going forward, we just wanted to give you a heads up”

According to a Chicago Tribune report, Chicago Fire Department officials said a 6-year-old boy was “attacked” and bitten in the head by a coyote on Jan. 8 outside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park. An AP report in the Daily Herald said the boy was 5.

That same day, the Chicago Sun-Times reported a 32-year-old man told authorities he was walking in the 700 block of North Fairbanks Court when a coyote came from behind and bit him on the buttocks, Chicago police said.

As NBC 5 points out in its report of the two incidents, such attacks are rare, but this is the season you’re most likely to have a coyote encounter.

Coyote sightings tend to increase between now and February as young leave their parents in search of mates and territories to call their own.

SOURCE: North Aurora Police Department, local media

6 Safety Tips if You Encounter a Coyote

Like domestic dogs, coyotes test their limits around humans and learn something from each exchange. Unless they associate people with negative experiences, such as loud noises, they can become comfortable walking down streets or sidewalks or near schools, basking in yards or parks, and shortening the distance between themselves and humans.

A bold coyote does not necessarily mean an aggressive coyote, but a coyote that maintains its fear of humans will be less likely to cause problems

  1. If you’re on a trail that coyotes often use, carry an air horn, whistle, walking stick, cane or other deterrent.
  2. If you’re followed by a coyote, don’t panic. It’s likely escorting or “shadowing” you through its territory, keeping a calm eye on you to ensure you don’t bother its den.
  3. If a coyote approaches you, be big, loud and bold. Wave your hands above your head, or hold your jacket wide open. Shout or use a whistle or horn. Don’t turn your back or run; calmly walk away facing the coyote.
  4. Keep yourself between coyotes and children.
  5. If a coyote becomes aggressive — snaps, growls or snarls — throw sticks or clumps of dirt at the ground by its feet. Aim for its body if necessary but never its head.
  6. Report aggressive behavior on private property to your local municipality. Here’s a link to municipalities in Kane County, IL.

SOURCE: “Living With Coyotes” DuPage Forest Preserve District

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