Tips For Coyote Sightings In Wilmette

WILMETTE, IL — Wilmette residents have noticed an uptick of coyotes in the village recently, according to the village, and have sent in multiple sighting reports.

Although coyotes typically avoid humans, they are known to inhabit Wilmette and the surrounding area. Coyotes have successfully adapted to living in urban and suburban areas, so it may be likely to see them in your neighborhood at any time of day, though they're most active at dawn and dusk.

Though it may be frightening to see a coyote, they serve an important ecological function in urban areas, killing rodents and controlling the deer population.

The village recommends a few techniques to keep yourself, family and pets safe as well as compassionately co-exist with coyotes.

• For pets, it's best to keep them inside, especially if they're small. Keep their food inside as well or watch while your pet eats, but don't leave food bowls outside.
• It's always a good idea to stay close to children and pets.
• Use "hazing" techniques to scare coyotes away, such as making loud noises, stomping and standing tall, throwing unharmful things at them, spraying them with water or flashing lights at them.

Services don't respond to calls for normal coyote behavior or regular sightings, but officials may respond to reports of a sick or injured coyote or a sighting during the day near people or schools or parks.

Attacks and threatening behavior should always be reported. If a coyote is posing an imminent threat to life, residents are urged to call 911.