Omnipresent Coyotes are Active Now: Enjoy!

January through March is peek coyote mating season and though coyotes seek to avoid human interaction, this time of year becomes more likely that you may encounter one. Quick, sleek, and beautiful, these apex predators help keep geese, rabbits, and white-tailed deer populations under control and are integral to our environment. Medium-sized members of the dog family like foxes and wolves, they have pointed ears, a slender muzzle, usually grayish brown fur, and yellow eyes which easily distinguish them from domesticated canines.

Coyotes are drawing headlines as recent news of a coyote inside an Aldi store and at O’Hare International Airport have captured peoples’ imaginations, a story by Block Club Chicago notes that “An increase in coyotes, deer, beavers and other animals means an area has greater biodiversity, which means a higher quality of environment.”

The Block Club Chicago also points out “Coyotes are always around us, with at least 2,000 living in the Chicago area year-round….” As with all wildlife, people should take care while around coyotes. Experts advise that coyotes should not be fed (and feral cats, which can be prey for coyotes, should not be fed, either.) Pets should not be left outside alone. If you come upon a coyote, do not run; it is better to shout or throw something to scare the normally shy coyote away, says the Urban Coyote Research Project.