Coyote Sightings Suggest Increased Aggression, Risk Posed for Small Pets

Coyotes are a , but over time, they can become more aggressive, posing a problem for residents.

At the Darien City Council meeting Monday, Alderman Joerg Seifert noted that in three months he has received three reports of coyote encounters from different Ward Four residents.

Although there is no data that supports the possibility of an increased coyote population, the the DuPage County Forest Preserve said close encounters suggest more aggressive behavior. Known to be adaptable creatures, the forest preserve said coyotes can return to spots and display aggressive behavior if not threatened.

“It can be very intimidating,” Seifert said. “It seems like they’ve become more aggressive. They come closer and grab; they didn’t used to do that.”

One close incident involved a coyote grabbing a resident’s small pet dog from the patio. Small dogs are often targets for coyotes, which either see them as prey or, said City Administrator Bryon Vana, as creatures infringing on their territory.

Different residents who report coyote sightings may be seeing the same coyotes, as they can roam miles from their den, the forest preserve said. The increased aggression may be a result of the coyotes testing their limits and not receiving any negative reinforcements from the residents.

If the coyotes do not encounter any threat when they approach a residence, they will continue to come closer. 

"Don't encourage them," said Scott Meister, natural resource management coordinator at the DuPage County Forest Preserve. "Wave your arms, yell, indicate that you're a sign of force and scare the coyotes away. They become habituated if you're complacent."

Meister added that there have been more sightings in the past few years. As for small pets, he encouraged residents to keep them inside, or keep a close watch on those unleashed or kept outside in an unfenced area.

Still, the most effective deterrent against coyote encounters is to keep food inside and outdoor equipment clean. Pet food and water dishes should stay inside, while compost bins, grills and barbecues should be enclosed or wiped clean of scraps of food. 

As for removing or relocating the coyotes, Kerry Vinkler, an administrator at the DuPage County Animal Care and Control, said relocation is not a good idea as the moved coyotes are considered threats for the coyotes already in place. Coyotes moved to a new area don't survive as easily, she said. 

"We can't put them in another place and expect them to thrive," Vinkler said.

Plus, the city cannot trap and relocate the coyotes because more coyotes will settle in. Therefore, the best solution is for residents to report coyote sighting immediately, Vana said, as it is then possible to track where the coyotes live and have a better understanding of their population in the area.

For more information on living with coyotes, visit the DuPage County Forest Preserve page on the animals.