For a few years now there have been several reports of coyotes spotted in the Chicagoland area. There was once a time when these animals would been seen in forest preserves or in areas of less traffic, but now coyotes are roaming everywhere -- even downtown.
It doesn't matter what the neighborhood, I have personally seen the creatures from everywhere on the south side to the north side and in the suburbs. It's almost like there is a shift of wildlife becoming more comfortable with living in high-traffic, urban areas.
I don't know what is causing the dramatic increase in coyote spottings, but apparently they are mating and actually now through March is their mating season. And because of this coyotes can become aggressive and territorial. If you see a coyote approach you, here is what you should do:
- Make noise and stomp around to make it seem like you are the bigger threat.
- Do not turn away and run; keep eye contact with it.
- If you're walking a small dog pick it up and carry it with you.
- Leave the area once the coyote has left.