COYOTES PART OF THE SUBURBAN/URBAN LANDSCAPE
Coyote sightings in the suburbs have become more common as a result of growing numbers and increased awareness of a natural predator that has become successful living among us.That presence is reinforced by occasional reports of a small dog being attacked, but that really isn't the nature of the beast, experts say.
"The majority are not using our food, our refuse or pets as diet items even in the most urban part of the landscape," explains Stan Gehrt, an associate professor at Ohio State University. Research has shown coyotes are successful in an urban environment not because of people but despite them, he added.
Since 2000, Gehrt has led the ongoing Cook County Coyote Project, the largest of its kind in the world."There are so many misconceptions," Gehrt said."Twenty-five years ago, nobody ever said, `He Gehrt said about 2,000 coyotes are thought to live in Cook County, but there is no way to estimate the total population in the area.
Coyotes are secretive and have a natural fear of humans and almost always hunt alone, according to the Lake County Forest Preserve District."They're our biggest predator," said Allison Frederick, the district's environmental communications specialist. They eat mice, voles, shrews and rabbits and like wild berries when in season. They also will eat Canada goose eggs and deer fawns, which are abundant in the Chicago area.
Dogs, Frederick explained, are perceived by coyotes more as a threat than prey. Cats are another matter.....a meal they become when coyotes spot them
Coyote couples are bonding in January and February and their hormones are on the rise, Gehrt said. In about a month, it will be the peak mating season. That period and when litters are reared in late spring are the prime times conflicts with dogs can arise. Gehrt said to expect a spike in attacks on dogs during those times, especially if dogs are not on a leash.
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Since 2000, Gehrt has led the ongoing Cook County Coyote Project, the largest of its kind in the world."There are so many misconceptions," Gehrt said."Twenty-five years ago, nobody ever said, `He Gehrt said about 2,000 coyotes are thought to live in Cook County, but there is no way to estimate the total population in the area.
Coyotes are secretive and have a natural fear of humans and almost always hunt alone, according to the Lake County Forest Preserve District."They're our biggest predator," said Allison Frederick, the district's environmental communications specialist. They eat mice, voles, shrews and rabbits and like wild berries when in season. They also will eat Canada goose eggs and deer fawns, which are abundant in the Chicago area.
Dogs, Frederick explained, are perceived by coyotes more as a threat than prey. Cats are another matter.....a meal they become when coyotes spot them
Coyote couples are bonding in January and February and their hormones are on the rise, Gehrt said. In about a month, it will be the peak mating season. That period and when litters are reared in late spring are the prime times conflicts with dogs can arise. Gehrt said to expect a spike in attacks on dogs during those times, especially if dogs are not on a leash.
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