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June, 2006
Dear Resident:
For the past several years, the Police Department has been working closely with the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources to understand and address the aggressive
behavior of coyotes. Besides receiving complaints about coyotes in our area, in April
there were numerous attacks on animals, which resulted in the death of two dogs in our
community.
Coyotes have been in the Northfield area for at least the past five (5) years. Within the
last two (2) years, however, each new generation of coyote seems to be less and less
frightened by humans. They are a very adaptable species and their typical diet of
raccoons, skunks, opossum, rabbits, mice, ducks, and geese now also includes dogs
and cats.
We have been told by experts in this field that these attacks are due to coyotes that are
bearing their young at this time of year and, as a result, become even more aggressive.
To help prevent coyote encounters residents are encouraged to do the following:
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Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
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Do not leave any pet food or human food in containers in your yard.
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Do not attempt to feed, pet, or tame a coyote.
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Keep your pets on a leash when you take them for a walk.
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Store trash in tightly closed containers that cannot tip over.
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Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
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Pick up fallen fruit from trees and cover compost piles.
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Install motion-sensitive lighting around your home which will scare the animals.
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Do not feed birds since it attracts other wildlife that coyotes prey upon.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources advises that this problem will not go away
anytime soon. It is important that all residents make an effort to follow these safety
suggestions. Some coyotes are non-aggressive and just passing through; others are
more aggressive and will challenge pets. The Police Department is using several
methods to help control the more aggressive coyotes once they have been identified.
However, it has been proven that coyotes can be intelligent and extremely illusive.
If you encounter an aggressive coyote, please contact the Police Department at 847-446-2131.
William K. Lustig
Chief of Police
April 12, 2006
The Police Department has been in contact with Marty Jones from the Illinois Department of Conservation. Marty Jones has advised us that coyotes are bearing young this time of year and are very aggressive.
The Police Department has put out precautionary information regarding leaving your dog alone outside as well as not to feed the coyotes. We have also purchased a coyote trap, and begun the process of attempting to capture coyotes that are aggressive. Residents are reminded to not leave their pets unsupervised.
The Police Department is only monitoring coyotes that are aggressive, not the ones that are just passing through.
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