St. Charles Introduces Coyote Management Plan

Area coyote sightings tend to increase this time of year. To help residents safely co-exist with coyotes, the City of St. Charles and the St. Charles Park District have developed a Coyote Management Plan, according to a news release. The Plan is available on the City website at www.stcharlesil.gov/coexisting-local-coyotes.

“The Coyote Management Plan is designed to increase awareness about normal coyote behaviors and promote the safety of residents and their pets when dealing with potential coyote encounters,” said Laura Rudow, Superintendent of Parks and Planning. “Human safety is the top priority of the Plan, which aligns with strategies adopted by nearby communities.”

The plan contains answers to frequently asked question about coyotes, information about typical behaviors, and a checklist with tips to help make your yard unattractive to coyotes, according to city officials.

Coyotes are common across the state of Illinois, and are necessary in order to keep populations of smaller wild animals and vermin in check.

Residents can expect an increase in coyote sightings between now and the spring as young coyotes leave their parents in search of mates and territories to call their own, according to city officials And, during winter months, coyotes are more willing to venture out of their rural or wooded habitats and into residential areas in search of food and shelter.