Coyote Attack Suspected In Death Of Lake Forest Pet Dog

LAKE FOREST, IL — A coyote is suspected of killing a dog in Lake Forest early Wednesday morning, police said. Officers were called to the 100 block of West Blackthorne Lane shortly after midnight for a complaint about an animal attack and found a dead dog belonging to one of the nearby residents. Lake Forest police said they "strongly suspect" the dog was killed by a coyote in the area.

Mid-February is the peak of coyote breeding season, according to the city's coyote information page. Mother coyotes are actively seeking out den sites through about mid-March, and an increase in coyote sightings between now and the spring is expected as younger coyotes head off in search of their own mates and territories.

Coyotes, common across much of Illinois, help keep the population of rodents and smaller wild animal in check.

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Lake Forest city officials issued several tips to residents:

• Don't leave your pets alone in yards without coyote-proof fencing
• Don't walk your pets without a leash.
• Coyotes hunt for food at night.
• Coyotes fear humans and will try to avoid us "at all costs" unless lured with food.
• Keep your yard clear of clutter such as piles of brush which make suitable dens.
• If you have an older home with a foundation that might allow wildlife to get under, consider heavily screening off any openings or access points. This will also keep other unwanted wildlife like skunk and raccoons away.
• Motion lights: Install bright motion lights to startle away coyotes. A fenced yard should be at least 6' high.
• Closely supervise when your dogs are outside. An adult coyote will either see your beloved pooch as a potential rival in their territory, or as food. Coyotes look much bigger than they actually are; usually between 20-40 pounds with a max weight of 55. One of the telltale signs of coyote actively living around you is looking for their scat. They'll poop in the middle of trails or easily seen places to let everyone know it's their turf. Looks like domestic dog poop but typically has fur and bones which are easily seen.
• If you see a coyote near you and it's too close for comfort, making loud sounds including screaming and holding your ground usually works. Usually a scream/yell and a couple of steps towards the animal is enough to send them bolting. If you have an unusually inquisitive coyote, it can't hurt to keep a 4' pvc pipe, cane or some other object you can use if needed. Just remember coyotes very rarely attack humans; it's almost unheard of.
• Keep garbage in a proper and secure receptacle and keep all pet food indoors. Also, if you have bird feeders, keep those tidy as too many seeds on the grass or pavement will attract rodents which will attract coyote.
• It's always better to learn how to cohabitate with the coyote you have hanging around. Most lead nomadic lifestyles and move around a lot. They rarely stay in the same place for more than a few months unless they have a litter. If you drive one out you'll simply open up the territory for another coyote to come in.