Protect Pets As Coyote Sightings Increase In Arlington Heights: Police

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — "Don't let your dogs out alone — or your cats out to roam." That's the advice the Arlington Heights Police Department is giving residents with an expected increase in coyote sightings over the next four to six weeks due to breeding season.

Saying that coyotes always pose a risk to dogs and other small pets, police said in a social media post earlier this week that male coyotes become more aggressive during this time of year.

AHPD said it has partnered with Scientific Wildlife Management, who will assist the village in "tracking and managing the local coyote population." Police encourage residents to report coyote sightings here. If a coyote is trapped, injured, immobilized or acting aggressively, call 911 or contact the police information desk at 847-368-5300.

Police also released the following tips for co-existing with wild coyotes:

• Never feed coyotes or leave food out for wild animals. Feeding wild animals increases the potential of encounters that are dangerous for you and your pets, as well as the well-being of the wild animal. It is important that wild animals maintain their natural fear of humans in order to keep residents and animals safe.
• Keep unattended cats and dogs indoors or in completely enclosed runs, especially at night. Do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your backyard.
• Turn on exterior lights to check your backyard for unexpected wildlife, and accompany your leashed pet outside.
• Keep dogs on short leashes (no longer than 6 feet) while walking outside.
• Carry noisemakers such as whistles and horns with you, and use them to scare away coyotes.
• If you encounter a coyote, yell, clap hands, blow a whistle and try to make yourself look larger. This behavior is known as “hazing” and will help deter coyotes from approaching.