Village of Bloomingdale

Scientific Name: Canis latrans

Natural History

Not many residents of DuPage County have heard the howl of a coyote at night; however, a growing number of sightings point to the presence of this North American wild dog within the county and its forest preserves. Seeing a coyote is by no means a routine occurrence. Like most wild animals, they keep their distance from people and are still considered by Forest Preserve biologists to be uncommon.

The local coyote population appears to be stabilizing after a period of growth over the last two decades. In a time when most carnivorous animals are retreating in the face of dwindling open spaces, the coyote has been gradually extending its range into the northeastern U.S., moving into areas with preserves or other open country. Coyotes have been sighted at 25 forest preserves and other locations within DuPage County, with sightings most common in the western forest preserves.

Characteristics

With a gray or reddish-gray color and adult weight between 20 and 45 pounds, the coyote resembles a wolf or husky, although it is markedly smaller. The footprints and droppings are also somewhat similar to those of domestic dogs.

Offspring

Coyote parents pair for life, and are both active in raising their young, which are born in litters that average six pups. Coyotes are well known for their group behavior, which centers around the family unit made up of the paired male and female, their newborn pups and possibly offspring from the previous year.

Howling together is an important social activity for the coyote. These prolonged musical cries can carry for miles. Usually one animal begins and the others join in. Theories about the reasons for this unique form of communication include establishing a territory and keeping family members together. Howling is not the only sound within the coyote's repertoire. Coyotes have been heard making barking sounds in a series of high or low-pitched yaps.

Dangers

While it is prudent to be wary of any wild animal, coyotes shy away from human beings and do not present a real threat to humans. Unrestrained pets occasionally are attacked by coyotes, providing a good reason for keeping your pet on a leash, especially in forest preserves.

Injured or Orphaned Animals

Injured or orphaned coyotes should only be approached by qualified personnel such as an animal control agent. Anyone who sees an injured or orphaned coyote in a DuPage County forest preserve should contact the District's Willowbrook Wildlife Center at (630) 942-6200.

The Willowbrook Wildlife Center offers these techniques to discourage coyotes from interacting with the human population:

• Do not approach wildlife.
• Do not feed wildlife, causing them to become habituated to humans and their homes. Avoid overflowing bird feeders.
• Keep all trash containers closed and inaccessible. Adding ammonia or pepper spray to the trash container discourages rummaging.
• Be sure barbecue grills are kept clean to avoid attracting animals. Clean up after fruit bearing trees.
• Obey leash laws. Small dogs on the loose are attractive prey for coyotes, especially at night. Cats should be kept indoors, along with pet food and water bowls.
• Coyotes are creatures of habit and can learn our routines. To avoid encounters, vary the time of day or route used for walking your pet.
• Don't invite coyotes to build dens next to or under your home; seal crawl spaces of decks, concrete slabs, porches, and sheds with welded wire; keep garage doors closed.
• Thin out, trim, and clear away shrubbery and ground cover vegetation that may provide cover for prey or for coyotes.
• Use motion sensor lights for front, back, or side yards.
• Provide supervision at all times for small children.
• Share this information with your neighbors.

For additional information on coyotes and other nuisance wildlife animals, visit www.dupageforest.com/education/coyotes.html.