By ELLIE STRANG, Editor
Santa isn’t the only one visiting everyone’s houses this year. Coyotes are becoming a regular presence and have taken a liking to the small pets in towns. They have become a nuisance to humans, but also have become a danger.
As our neighbors, communities, and developments keep expanding into their territory, the space is slowly dissipating between us. This causes them to enter small towns, villages, and even cities to hunt for food that is easily available.
As coyotes roam further and further into neighborhoods their fear of people lessens. This causes terrible problems for citizens with pets that are now easily getting snatched up.
“My family members small dog was once attacked by a pack of coyotes in my family’s backyard. Luckily they scared the coyotes away, amazingly the dog lived,” said freshman Brianna Seidelman.
Actions have already taken place to help secure everyone’s safety. The Kane County Forest Preserve has created a program called Coyotes of Chicagoland: Our Nocturnal Neighbor. This program talks about all the truths and myths related to coyotes, and is taught by experts that have in the field experience. This program hopefully will raise awareness about the coyote problem and will help to educate people in how coyotes function.
The Department of Natural Resources manage the hunting of coyotes by regulating when and where they can be killed. The DNR states that coyotes can be hunted if that hunter has a hunting license. Coyotes may be killed half an hour before sunrise until half an hour before sunset. But it does not have to come to that. Fending off coyotes can be achieved by following these few steps.
First, if any pets are outside, make sure they are in secure cages or kept in an electric fence during the night when coyotes are most active. Also, if pets get fed outside, don’t leave food bowls or food scraps outside. Lastly, keep garbage in a closed area and they won’t be tempted to scavenge in your trash.
Even though coyotes are not the most welcomed guests in neighborhoods and they are here and should be treated with caution.