Where Have You Spotted Coyotes in Woodridge?
What precautions do you take to protect your children and pets? Tell us in comments.
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Are coyotes a problem in Woodridge?
The Chicago area has seen a significant increase in the coyote population since the 1990s, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimates there are more than 30,000 coyotes in Illinois.
We asked Woodridge residents via Facebook where they've spotted coyotes in town. Here's what one local had to say:
Cheryl Thomas Wohead I live in Pleasantdale on the Frontage Rd between Woodward & Lemont Rd. We've been seeing them alot. Often there are 2 of them together.
According to the Cook County Coyote Project, there hasn't been a documented case of a coyote attacking a human in Illinois since at least 1985—the beginning range of the study. On top of that, there have only been two cases of coyotes killing a human in the U.S. and Canada in modern history.
Coyotes typically come out at night. If you see a coyote during the day, that's an indication the animal may be bolder and therefore more likely to attack. If you ever find yourself in this situation, the study recommends you yell, wave your arms and try to throw something at the coyote. Never run away!
While coyotes have been known to attack pets, the Cook County Coyote Project says coyotes do not frequently attack dogs, and when they do, they tend to be smaller dogs. Cats, on the other hand, may represent more alluring targets. Don't lose too much sleep over it, though. The vast majority of a coyote's diet is made up of mice and rats.
Find more tips on living with coyotes from the University of Illinois Extension here.
Related:
Patch Asks: Do you think coyotes are a problem in Woodridge? What precautions do you take to protect your children and pets? When was the last time you spotted one in town?
Sharree Miller
8:09 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
I live in the 2600 block of Ravinia Lane and the coyotes we see are always during the day. I have a very large dog so they don't pose a problem to me but I know smaller dogs live on this street so I hope my neighbors are watching out for these coyotes. They are brave enough to come close to the house so I'm very watchful when I go out into my backyard.
William R Hall
1:09 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
I live in Summerhill and we've seen them any time of day, most frequently after daybreak. And they have been very bold. One even took a casual stroll right down the middle of our street - in the middle of the afternoon.
Summerhill Estates
3:08 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
I've seen them running along the creek between Parkside and 63rd street during the afternoon.
Suzanna Klein
6:50 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
I regularly see them near Edgewood school roaming the streets, dusk and dawn. (Sometimes with a meal in mouth as they trot across the street!) I'm glad I don't have little dogs, and often wonder if coyotes are the reason my big dogs bark in the yard at night when nothing else is going on.