'Huge' Coyote Spotted In North Center, Lake View: Reports

CHICAGO, IL — According to a post on a neighborhood blog, a North Side resident saw a "huge animal" running east on Hutchinson Street. The resident called the encounter "unreal" and said she later learned it was a coyote. Coyotes are typically smaller in size, but have been alarming many Chicagoans over the past few weeks.

"I’ve seen them many times in Lakeview!" Another person posted. "Always a double take and a bit of shock if you haven’t before. Supposedly they help with the rat population so I have no objections!"

Coyote sightings have been reported on EveryBlock since the cold weather hit. This time of year, coyotes are scavenging to prepare for the cold winter ahead, and many sightings have been reported in yards, streets and parks on Chicago's North Side.

Earlier this month, police said a coyote or group of coyotes were responsible for an attack on two dogs in a fenced backyard in Palatine. When the resident went outside to check on the dogs a short time later, one was found dead and the other seriously injured in the backyard.

The Humane Society of the United States released a document teaching people how to prevent coyote conflicts. It explains what attracts them and gives tips as to how to keep your pets safe.

Image via Patch Files