Coyote Awareness
About Coyotes
Coyotes are a common wild animal in Illinois, but the population has seen a large increase during the past 2 decades, especially in the Chicago area. In Aurora, reported coyote sightings are common especially on the City's far Southeast side where homes are adjacent to rural or wooded areas, however, sporadic sightings have been reported on the West side.
Coyotes are more nocturnal animals but may be more visible during the daytime in spring and summer.
In the wild, coyotes primarily feed on rabbits, rodents, birds, fruit, and insects; thus helping control these types of populations where they inhabit. While most coyotes are leery of people and tend to stay clear of humans, they can still be a danger, especially to young children. It is also not unusual for the animals to attack dogs and other pets. However, the majority of attacks could be prevented or reduced by following some simple safety rules.
Preventing Coyote Attacks
The most effective way to prevent attacks is to eliminate feeding coyotes either intentionally or accidentally. Coyotes can be attracted to bird and squirrel feeders, bread that is fed to ducks and geese, pet food that is left outside, and other unintentional food sources. When coyotes find these types of food in residential areas, they may lose their fear of humans and eventually test both people and pets as possible prey.
Coyote Sightings
If a coyote is spotted during the daytime, people should exhibit caution since the animal may have become habituated to humans and thus more likely to attack. People approached by a coyote should yell, wave their arms, and/or throw an object at the animal - but should never run away. It is also a good idea to carry a walking stick when in areas that could be inhabited by coyotes. Young children should not be left unattended in areas where coyotes may live.
It is important that family pets such as dogs and cats - especially those smaller in size - not be left unwatched while outside. Coyotes can also be attracted to free-ranging domestic and feral cats. Domestic cats should be kept inside and feral cats should be spayed or neutered. Coyotes are attracted to cluttered areas including brush piles and old construction sites so keeping those types of areas clear will help prevent them from lingering in a particular area.
If people or their pets are attacked by a coyote within the City limits of Aurora, contact should be made with the City's Animal Control Division at 630-256-3630.
Coyote Reporting
If you spot a coyote, please report the sighting to Scientific Wildlife Management.
Wildlife Management
Mark Romano
Professional Trapper
630-476-1198
markswildlife@comcast.net
FAQs for Keeping Coyotes Away
I thought coyotes were wild animals. Why are they in my neighborhood?
They are wild animals. However, as area open lands have decreased over the past 3 decades and human population has increased, coyotes have not only survived but have adjusted. While they still make their homes in wooded and open areas they have ventured into surrounding neighborhoods primarily to search for food.
Are coyotes a danger to my family?
Most coyotes are leery of people and tend to stay away from humans. However, like any wild animal, they can be unpredictable and dangerous. While attacks on humans are very rare, young children should never be left unattended. Coyotes pose a significant threat to small pets.
What happens if I encounter a coyote?
If you see or are approached by a coyote, you should exhibit caution. Do not run away. Instead, yell, wave your arms, and/or throw an object at the animal. It is also a good idea to carry a walking stick. Immediately report any coyote sightings to the Aurora Animal Control Division at 630-256-3630, 24 hours a day. In the case of a coyote attack on a human, call 911.
How is the City addressing coyotes in neighborhoods?
The safety of our residents is the City’s utmost concern. Aurora’s Animal Control Division responds to all reports of coyote attacks around the clock. While Aurora’s Animal Control Division investigates coyote sightings during normal business hours, coyotes rarely linger in populated areas. By the time our Animal Control officers reach an area, the coyotes have typically retreated and are no longer visible.
The best way to decrease coyotes in neighborhoods is to partner with our citizens to make affected areas undesirable to coyotes.
What can I do to make my home and neighborhood undesirable to coyotes?
The biggest tip is don’t feed the coyotes either intentionally or by accident. 90% of a coyote’s diet is small mammals but they will also eat birds, snakes, insects, fish, fruit, and vegetables. They can be attracted to bird and squirrel feeders, bread that is fed to ducks and geese, pet food that is left outside, and other unintentional food sources. Because of that, adhere to the following tips:
- Do not keep garbage cans outside if possible or at the very least, make sure the containers have tight-fitting lids.
- Keep grills and barbecues clean. Even the smallest food scraps may attract a coyote.
- Keep pet food and food and water dishes inside especially at night.
- Make sure ripe fruit and vegetables are picked from gardens.
- Stop feeding other wildlife or at the very least, do not allow spillage to accumulate outside of the feeders.
- When coyotes find these types of food sources in residential areas they may lose their fear of humans and eventually test both people and pets as prey.
How do I keep my family pets safe?
It is important that dogs, cats, and other pets, especially those smaller in size, not be left unwatched while outside. Pet doors should also be secured and remember that “invisible fencing” is ineffective on coyotes. Coyotes can also be attracted to free-ranging domestic and feral cats. Domestic cats should be kept inside.
Where can I get more information?
More information on coyotes is available by calling the City’s Animal Control division at 630-256-3630. There is also excellent information on the animals at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.