Area Coyote Sightings Increase in March
Information on how to deal with a coyote sighting in the forest preserves.
Increased coyote sightings are reported during spring and early summer due to increased daytime activity. Female coyotes and their pups have dens in most forest preserves during April, May, and June. Therefore, sections of trails near den sites may have high coyote activity during that time. Trailside signs with information about coyote behavior and tips on responding to an encounter are installed when den areas are located near trails.
Coyote family groups will investigate and chase off any perceived threats to the pups. Coyotes pose no threat to people or pets as long as we work together to reinforce their natural fear of humans.
One simple way to help prevent unwanted encounters is to keep dogs on a short leash (less than 10 feet) at all times. Coyotes are territorial and are not afraid of dogs. They may view a dog as a threat, chasing the dog away from the den area if it gets too close.
Trail users may see coyote family members warily watching; this is simply out of curiosity and not out of aggression. If a coyote approaches, attempt to scare it away by waving your arms in the air, shouting, and throwing rocks or sticks in the direction of the coyote. This response reinforces the animal's natural fear of humans.
To report encounters or concerns regarding coyotes call the Lake County Forest Preserve's General Offices at 847-367-6640 weekdays from 8 am–4:30 pm. On evenings or weekends, call 847-549-5200 and ask to speak to a Forest Preserve Ranger.
Please respect these wild animals. Do not attempt to approach, feed or pet them, or find their dens. Like any mother or family member, coyotes want to protect their pups and keep them safe. The coyote pups are able to leave the den by the end of June, when we will see less coyote activity overall.
Get additional information about coyotes: Lake County Guide to Coyotes, and Coyote Frequently Asked Questions.
Information from the Lake County Forest Preserve
Vortex
3:19 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
In addition to waving of arms, shouting, and throwing rocks, the .223 or 5.56 NATO cartridge is also an excellent choice for dealing with coyotes. It is widely used in the western states try to protect young livestock, which doesn't seem to fare as well as Lake County hopes your children and dogs will against a territorial predator.
I wonder if we, the taxpayers, will be on the hook when someone sues LCFP for this feel-good but useless advice, after their shih tzu or, God forbid, their child, gets injured or killed by a hungry coyote?
Charles
4:48 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Does this mean we can sue the county because we get bit by mosquitoes and catch West Nile virus? Your last paragraph is laughable at best. Any idiot fool enough to try to sue the LCFP over losing their little snow flake will lose.
Mandy
11:07 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
What happens when their shih Tzu or child get hit with your .223 or NATO cartridge? We live in Coyote territory, be wise and respect them and your other neighbors. My 9 year old Terrier has lived closely with coyotes as well, being a responsible pet owner has also kept her protected.
Keli
1:15 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
So true Charles. It's important to remember that each year more people are injured and killed in this country from domestic dogs, deer, bees, hunting accidents and almost any other scenario one can imagine, than they have been by coyotes. Yet we humans poison, shoot, trap and torture almost a million coyotes a year based on our ignorance and archaic beliefs regarding coyote behavior.
Keli
1:21 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
And by the way Vortex, I am a rancher in Calif and I manage to live peacefully with coyotes and other predators simply by using common sense livestock management techniques. And having a bit of tolerance for other living things besides myself and my livestock helps quite a bit too FYI. But I imagine that sounds like crazy talk to people like yourself.
Charles
7:10 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I have 2 of them that have been hanging around for the past month. At night with the full moon I was watching them romp around playing with each other at times on the frozen lake. Managed to get some fairly good photos of them during the day. I have a Redbone Coonhound that plays kissy face with them through the fence and when I saw that the first time, even though she's a big dog, I'm under no illusion 2 coyotes would take her down quick so I go outside with her now.
Years ago I use to hunt them down south but I have no reason to here. Personally I think they do more good than harm by eating the varmints I don't want around and the sick critters that need to be killed.
**you out there moe**?
Janet
10:15 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I am not so concerned about encountering the coyotes in the forest preserve. I am more concerned about the ones that walk up my driveway or onto my patio. They do not seem terribly concerned about my boxer and my lab mix, neither is a small dog, not very afraid of my husband or me, despite stomping, hollering, and clapping at them.
sharon
9:26 am on Sunday, March 17, 2013
I'd have absolutely no garden left if the coyotes didn't sweep by a couple times a year and reduce the bunny population. I live on a wetland and the bunnies come out of the weeds in droves at times. But, i always accompany my little dog in the yard, even when i haven't seen recent signs of coyotes!