Coyote Awareness

For the past several years, the Glencoe Department of Public Safety has been working closely with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Cook County Forest Preserve District Wildlife Biologists, the Urban Coyote Research Project and Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control to understand and address the aggressive behavior of coyotes.  According to their scientific research, generally urban coyotes coexist with people without causing conflict.  Occasionally individual coyotes may show signs of extreme bold and aggressive behavior, primarily in the form of attacks on pets.  In these cases when problem coyote behavior is indicated, via reports from the public or through our efforts in behavior profiling, we may humanely remove bold and aggressive coyotes to ensure the safety of the community.

To help prevent coyote encounters residents are encouraged to do the following:

• Do not leave ANY pet or human food in containers in your yard.
• Do not attempt to feed, pet or tame a coyote.
• Keep your pets on a leash at all times when you take a walk, including at our lakefront.
• Store trash in tightly closed containers that cannot tip over.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
• Pick up fallen fruit from trees and cover compost piles.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around your home.
• DO NOT feed birds, raccoons, squirrels or other wildlife that coyotes prey upon.
• Be very cautious when leaving pets outside unattended on tethers or using invisible fencing.
• Teach your children to respect wildlife and not approach ANY animal.

It is important that all residents make an effort to follow these safety suggestions.  Some coyotes are non-aggressive and just passing through; others are more aggressive and will challenge pets. 

If you encounter an aggressive coyote and need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.  If you have questions or concerns about coyotes, please contact Public Safety Community Service Officer Katie Sweeney at (847) 461-1148 or ksweeney@villageofglencoe.org.

For additional coyote information, please visit the following websites:

https://urbancoyoteresearch.com

http://scientificwildlifemanagement.com/report-a-sighting

https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/