Coyote Sightings Prompt Reminders for Safety of Small Pets



		Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, www.dnr.state.il.us, for more information on coyote distribution and abundance, habitat, habits, foods, reproduction and conservation.

West Chicago, Illinois: June 15, 2009 - Coyote sightings in West Chicago have caused concern among some members of the community prompting the City of West Chicago Police Department to gather and disseminate information intended to educate the public.

According to Chief Donald Goncher, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is a good place to start. Information contained on their website, www.dnr.state.il.us, may help allay panic should one see a coyote in their neighborhood. The animal, resembling a small German shepherd dog, carries its tail below the level of its back, rather than curved upward. Its upper body is typically light gray to dull yellow, but can vary from mostly black to nearly all gray or white. A more specific description may be found on the IDNR website.

According to the IDNR, coyotes are common throughout Illinois where they are abundant in areas with a mixture of farmland, woodland and grassland, however, they are also known to inhabit suburban and even urban areas. While they are valuable members of the wildlife community, caution should be exercised in a suburban setting with regard to pets such as domestic cats and small dogs. Reported attacks on humans appear to be rare.

Because coyotes are predators and will be attracted to areas that encourage small animals and birds, one way to deter them from entering residential backyards is to keep the ground clear of pet food or wild animal feed.

An informational video, The Urban Coyote, may be viewed here, or beginning next week on public access channel 17.

For further information, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at (217) 782-6302 or www.dnr.state.il.us using the search word coyote.

###

West Chicago is the one of the fastest-growing cities in DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With a current population of more than 25,000, West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. West Chicago is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the city's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org