Coyotes Popping Up in Deerfield

Residents of Deerfield’s Clavinia neighborhood have been seeing coyotes on their backyards and streets, but village officials say there is nothing they can do unless the animal has been disruptive.

“Coyotes in Illinois are protected under the Illinois Wildlife Code,” according to information of the village of Deerfield website. “In urban or suburban areas, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources recommends hiring a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, who is licensed by the State of Illinois to remove the coyote from the area.

“By Illinois law, the animal can only be removed if it is causing property damage or is a risk to human health or safety.”

Also on Patch: Coyote Sightings Are ‘Quite Common’ in Glenview

Michael Carniello is one of the residents who has seen the creature or creatures.

“We’ve seen a coyote in the backyard twice now in two weeks,” Carniello, who mentioned the village would not address the issue, told Deerfield Patch on Tuesday.

The very next day, he said another sighting was made on the east side of Castlewood, near Central.

Also on Patch: Wolf Sightings in Lake Forest Are Likely of Coyotes

Their presence is not uncommon in this region, however.

“The Chicagoland area has seen a dramatic 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. Usually they reside in wooded areas; however, they enter residential neighborhoods occasionally,” according to the village.

Despite common misconceptions, the village claims coyotes are “not likely” to cause problems.

Photo submitted

From the Village:

While coyotes are valuable in decreasing the rodent population, their presence in populated areas can be minimized. Coyotes can become a nuisance when they have easy access to food in residential areas, such as pet food or garbage. To discourage their presence:

• DO feed pets indoors or promptly remove dishes when pets complete their meal outside. Store bags of pet food indoors.
• DO clear brush and dense weeds from around property. This deprives rodents of shelter and reduces protective cover for coyotes.
• DO use trash barrels equipped with tight clamping devices on the lids, which will prevent spills should they be tipped over by large animals.
• DO try to educate your friends and neighbors about the problems associated with feeding coyotes.
• DO NOT feed or provide water for coyotes or other wildlife. This practice abnormally attracts coyotes and promotes increased numbers of rodents, birds, snakes and other creatures that can provide major portions of the coyote’s natural diet.

How to Protect Pets:

• Keep small pets (cats, rabbits, small dogs) indoors. Don’t allow them to run free at any time. They are easy prey. Some coyotes hunt cats in residential areas.
• Dogs should be brought inside after dark and never allowed to run loose. This is especially important during mating season, which is February through April.
• DO NOT leave domestic pet food outside. Wildlife will soon depend on it.

If you encounter a coyote, shout, clap or throw something in its direction (not directly at the coyote). Acting aggressively helps re-instill a fear of humans in coyotes and encourages them to stay away from residential areas.”

more via the Village of Deerfield