During the warmer months of the year, Village officials begin to receive calls from residents regarding the local coyote population. Callers are typically seeking suggestions for handling sightings and encounters. Following is a synopsis of information provided by the Wisconsin DNR, the UW Extension and the Cook County, Illinois, Coyote Project.
HOW TO REACT TO A COYOTE
While coyotes prefer areas that offer adequate protection, such as edges of wooded and brushy areas, they can also be found near fields, parks, rivers, and other areas with natural vegetation. This includes residential developments. While coyotes are not typically aggressive towards humans, they are very protective of their young.
Coyotes may also carry parasites such as: ticks, fleas, lice, mites, flatworms and roundworms. Coyotes seldom prey on domestic animals. Their main sources of food are: rodents, rabbits, insects, fruits, and other vegetative matter.
If you see a coyote, you should keep your distance from the animal. If you feel a coyote is too close, try the following:
• turn on outside lights
• make loud noises, or
• toss a small object in the direction of the coyote (not at the coyote)
Taking one or more of these actions should cause the animal to flee.
To avoid conflicts with the animal:
• do not feed a coyote
• do not run from a coyote
• make loud noises/wave your arms
• do not leave small pets outside while unattended
• keep pet food indoors
• secure residential garbage, and
• report aggressive or fearless coyotes to the Police Department at 262.694.7353
Fencing and motion-sensored outdoor lighting may also help to deter coyotes.
When coyotes become more aggressive and less intimidated by humans or if a coyote takes a small household pet, such as a cat, you may want to consider contacting a wildlife removal professional for assistance. You can find more information about coyotes, at the Department of Natural Resources website dnr.wi.gov.