Arlington Heights Citizen Alert: Coyote Mating Season Coming Up

Coyote mating season is in February and March, and residents are advised by Arlington Heights police that certain precautions can be taken to avoid incidents involving the animals.

Tips from police include:

• Do not feed coyotes.
• Secure garbage cans to prevent scavenging.
• Supervise pets who are outside during mating season.
• Coyotes are territorial and dogs can be seen as competition.
• Limit the number of bird/squirrel feeders that can attract coyote prey.
• State law protects coyotes, but residents can hire a private trapper through the State of Illinois for removal.

Coyotes are native to Arlington Heights, and sightings have become more prevalent in recent years, police say. While attacks have been rare, they have occurred when people try to feed or interact with them.

Adult coyotes are between 20 and 40 pounds, and look like German Shepard dogs. They are yellowish gray, and have a white throat and belly.

Once mating season is over, pups will be born in April or May.

There are, however, positives of the coyote presence including that they help control rodent populations and balance fox, raccoon and opossum populations. They also do not overpopulate, and limit themselves based on territory and the amount of food available. 

Information provided by the Arlington Heights Police Department.